really thinking about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really thinking about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing deep consideration or contemplation regarding a specific topic or decision. Example: "I've been really thinking about changing my career path and exploring new opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But when most people think about applications, what they're really thinking about are games.

The New York Times - Tech

But what I'm really thinking about is a kitten.

The Guardian - Music

"Sounds nice," I think, without really thinking about it.

The Guardian - Travel

I think if you're really thinking about significant realignment, it's probably going to have to wait.

The New York Times - Sports

I am really thinking about Rio.

Independent

"He was really thinking about coming.

Independent

"I wasn't really thinking about the risks.

The New York Times

I'm not really thinking about the elevator.

The New York Times

"She's really thinking about her palette".

The New Yorker

"I wasn't really thinking about the consequences.

The Guardian - Music

"It's not really thinking about the payroll.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really thinking about" to convey a sense of active and deliberate consideration. It's stronger than just "thinking about" and suggests more focused attention.

Common error

Avoid using "really thinking about" in every sentence where you want to express thought. Overuse diminishes its impact. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "seriously considering" or "deeply contemplating" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really thinking about" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of considering something with a significant degree of intent. As Ludwig AI suggests, it conveys a stronger sense of contemplation than simply "thinking about."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "really thinking about" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey a state of active and serious consideration. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media. While its meaning is clear, remember to vary your language and avoid overusing this expression for a more engaging writing style. Alternatives such as "seriously considering" or "deeply contemplating" can add nuance and prevent repetition. When you want to communicate a significant level of deliberation, "really thinking about" is a solid choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

giving serious thought to

Indicates a deliberate and thoughtful examination of the topic.

seriously considering

Emphasizes the weight and potential action associated with the thought.

actively mulling over

Suggests a proactive and ongoing process of thinking.

thoughtfully assessing

Indicates a careful and reasoned evaluation of the subject.

deeply contemplating

Highlights the intensity and depth of the thought process.

carefully weighing

Highlights the process of assessing different options or aspects.

earnestly pondering

Implies a sincere and heartfelt consideration of the subject.

assiduously deliberating

Emphasizes the diligent and thorough nature of the thinking process.

intently reflecting on

Focuses on the careful and focused nature of the thinking.

pondering at length

Suggests extended consideration over time.

FAQs

How can I use "really thinking about" in a sentence?

The phrase "really thinking about" is used to indicate deep or serious consideration of something. For example, "I'm really thinking about changing jobs" shows a strong level of consideration.

What can I say instead of "really thinking about"?

You can use alternatives like "seriously considering", "deeply contemplating", or "giving serious thought to" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "really thinking about"?

While "thinking about" alone conveys consideration, adding "really" intensifies the degree of consideration. It emphasizes a deeper level of thought, but be mindful of overuse.

When is it appropriate to use "really thinking about" versus "thinking about"?

Use "really thinking about" when you want to emphasize that you're not just casually considering something, but actively and seriously engaging with the idea. "Thinking about" is suitable for more casual or fleeting thoughts.