my thinking was

USAGE SUMMARY

"my thinking was" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express one's thoughts or reasoning behind a particular action or decision. Example: My thinking was that studying abroad would provide me with a more diverse and enriching educational experience.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My thinking was murky.

The Guardian

"My thinking was entirely different.

The Guardian - Music

His impact on my thinking was enormous.

The Guardian

Alex, that's where my thinking was.

The New York Times

My thinking was something like, "You want to watch me?

The New York Times

But my thinking was most definitely not "Oh goody!

The Guardian

"My thinking was, 'Let's be proactive,"' he said.

The New York Times

My thinking was: Good projects are always good projects.

Harvard Business Review

My thinking was, well, I'm not a male," Shupe said.

The Guardian

My thinking was, "Let me get some feedback here".

The New York Times

"My thinking was to sing it as long as I could".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "my thinking was" to clearly explain the rationale behind a past decision or action, providing context and demonstrating a clear thought process.

Common error

Avoid overusing "my thinking was" in formal writing; opt for more concise and professional alternatives like "I believed" or "I concluded" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my thinking was" functions as a declarative expression, introducing an explanation of one's past reasoning or perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct way to express thoughts behind actions. It helps clarify the context behind a previous decision or belief.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "my thinking was" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to articulate one's reasoning or thought process behind a past decision or action. As Ludwig AI validates, it serves to provide context and clarity. While versatile, writers should consider the register of their writing, opting for more formal alternatives in certain professional contexts. Common across news, business, and even academic sources, mastering its use can greatly enhance one's ability to communicate effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I thought

Directly states a past thought or belief.

I believed

Emphasizes a conviction held at a particular time.

I reasoned

Highlights the logical process behind a decision or conclusion.

my intention was

Focuses on the intended outcome or purpose of an action.

I had in mind

Indicates a plan or idea that was being considered.

the idea I had was

Similar to "I had in mind" but places more emphasis on the specific idea.

I was of the opinion that

Formally expresses a past viewpoint or judgment.

I figured

Informal way to express a past assumption or calculation.

my perspective was

Focuses on the viewpoint or outlook that influenced a past decision.

from my point of view

Highlights the personal stance or viewpoint from which something was considered.

FAQs

How can I use "my thinking was" in a sentence?

Use "my thinking was" to explain the reasoning behind a past decision or action. For instance, "My thinking was to invest early, hoping for long-term gains".

What are some alternatives to "my thinking was"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I thought", "I believed", or "I reasoned", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "my thinking is" instead of "my thinking was"?

The choice between "my thinking is" and "my thinking was" depends on the time frame you're referring to. Use "my thinking is" for present thoughts and "my thinking was" for past thoughts.

In what contexts is "my thinking was" most appropriate?

"My thinking was" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts when you need to explain the reasoning behind a decision you made in the past. It's common in narratives, explanations, and discussions where you are providing context for your actions or beliefs.