i was thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I was thinking' is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that you had been considering or contemplating a thought or idea. Example: I was thinking that maybe we should get a new car.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was thinking: "Typical.

Independent

I was thinking.

The New Yorker

"I was thinking..

The Washington Post

I was thinking, Mixed drinks.

The New Yorker

"I was thinking about staying.

Independent

"I was thinking about surviving".

The New York Times

"I was thinking of you".

The New Yorker

Precisely what I was thinking.

The New York Times

I was thinking about them.

The New York Times

I was thinking before college.

The New York Times

I was thinking of it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "i was thinking" to introduce a suggestion or plan politely. This softens the statement and allows for easier feedback or adjustments.

Common error

While natural in conversation, excessively using "i was thinking" in formal reports or academic papers can sound hesitant. Opt for stronger verbs like 'proposed', 'suggested', or 'analyzed' to present your ideas more confidently.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i was thinking" primarily functions as a preface to introduce a thought, suggestion, or consideration. As shown by Ludwig AI and its examples, it is generally used to soften a statement or provide context for an idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "i was thinking" is a grammatically sound and very common way to introduce a thought or suggestion, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of overuse in formal writing, where more direct language might be preferable. Consider alternatives like "i proposed" or "i considered" to maintain a professional tone. Overall, "i was thinking" is a useful and natural way to express past thoughts and introduce ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i had been thinking

Emphasizes the duration of the thought process leading up to the present moment.

i'd been considering

Highlights the act of weighing different options or aspects of something.

my thought was

Directly states the thought that occurred.

i contemplated

Implies a deeper, more thoughtful consideration.

i gave it some thought

Highlights the effort put into thinking about something.

i had in mind

Focuses on a specific plan or intention that was present.

i was of the opinion

Indicates a formed judgment or belief.

it occurred to me

Indicates a thought that suddenly came to mind.

i entertained the idea

Implies considering a possibility without necessarily committing to it.

i was under the impression

Suggests a belief or understanding that may or may not be accurate.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "i was thinking" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "i proposed", "i suggested", or "i considered" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "i was thinking"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "i was thinking", especially in informal or conversational settings. However, be mindful of overusing it in formal writing.

What's the difference between "i was thinking" and "i am thinking"?

"I was thinking" refers to a thought that occurred in the past, while "i am thinking" refers to a thought that is currently occurring in the present. For example, "i was thinking about that yesterday" versus "i am thinking about that right now".

What are some informal alternatives to "i was thinking"?

Informal alternatives include "i figured", "i thought", or simply stating your idea directly without the introductory phrase. However, using "i was thinking" allows you to present an idea or suggestion more gently.