sets me thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sets me thinking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something has prompted you to reflect or consider a particular idea or topic. Example: "The article on climate change really sets me thinking about my own carbon footprint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He sets me thinking about what happens when a historian of science applies his or her way of thinking to the analysis of works of art.

The Guardian - Arts

It's a compliment, but it sets me thinking about the worst-case scenario: What if someone read the article and thought, yeah, 47, that sounds about right.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Toward the end of the class, this big, frail man, who was confined to a high director's chair, said to the students, "Do you think there is such a thing as taste memory?" This set me thinking.

The New Yorker

It set me thinking.

Independent

That set me thinking.

The Guardian - Books

And it has set me thinking.

Independent

And it set me thinking.

The Guardian - Music

It set me thinking – and looking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"That set me thinking about what might work with cork.

The New York Times

So my friend's question set me thinking.

The Guardian - Books

This set me thinking about why we are so certain that Zeus never existed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "sets me thinking" with a specific question to immediately direct the reader's attention to the core of your reflection. For example, "This sets me thinking: how can we improve our strategy?"

Common error

Avoid using "sets me thinking" repeatedly within a short piece of writing. This can make your prose sound repetitive and diminish the impact of each individual reflection. Instead, vary your language with alternatives such as "prompts my reflection" or "gives me food for thought".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sets me thinking" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating the beginning of a thought process prompted by something. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sets me thinking" is a versatile idiom used to introduce a reflection or contemplation, suitable for various writing styles. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While very common in news and media, as Ludwig's examples illustrate, it's important to vary your language to avoid repetition. Consider alternatives such as "prompts my reflection" or "inspires contemplation" to enhance your writing. This will help maintain a professional and authoritative tone, making your ideas clear and understandable. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prompts my reflection

Focuses on the act of reflecting as a direct result of something.

causes me to reflect

Directly states the act of reflecting as a consequence.

inspires contemplation

Highlights the inspirational aspect of the thought process.

makes me ponder

Emphasizes a deeper, more thoughtful consideration.

gives me food for thought

Uses a metaphor to indicate something that encourages thinking.

sparks my curiosity

Focuses on curiosity as the primary driver of thought.

leads me to consider

Highlights the action of considering different aspects of a topic.

makes me wonder

Highlights the feeling of wonder and questioning.

stimulates my mind

Emphasizes the mental stimulation caused by something.

ignites my imagination

Focuses on the imaginative aspect of the thought process.

FAQs

How can I use "sets me thinking" in a sentence?

You can use "sets me thinking" to introduce a thought or reflection that has been triggered by something. For example, "The recent study "sets me thinking" about the long-term effects of social media on mental health."

What can I say instead of "sets me thinking"?

You can use alternatives like "prompts my reflection", "inspires contemplation", or "gives me food for thought" depending on the context.

Is "sets me thinking" formal or informal?

"Sets me thinking" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider the audience and purpose of your writing. In highly formal or academic writing, you might prefer a more sophisticated alternative.

Can I use "sets me thinking" to introduce a question?

Yes, you can use "sets me thinking" to introduce a question that you are going to explore. For example, "This "sets me thinking": what are the ethical implications of this technology?".