then thinking about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then thinking about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when transitioning to a thought process or reflection after a previous action or statement. Example: "I finished my work for the day, then thinking about what to do next, I decided to take a walk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"There is a complete disconnect between thinking about building a business and then thinking about, very much at the later stage, actually collecting a check," she says.

TechCrunch

I got a little shaky then, thinking about that gun.

The New York Times

Then, thinking about things that burn, he says 'sierra granite' — granite is twice-burned rock, forged out of fire.

The New Yorker

We've always had a mentality of concentrating on revenue and getting paying customers first, then thinking about raising money later".

The New York Times

If so, then thinking about what must have preceded it is also a legitimate area for science.

The Guardian - Opinion

I've spent my life if not on a diet then thinking about the diet I should be on.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

You might feel hurt then, thinking "What about me?

Huffington Post

Follow Jake Hanrahan on Twitter.

Vice

"It goes back to then -- thinking about a character who's a hermaphrodite and what can be done with it".

The New York Times - Books

But then, just thinking about doctor problems, the floodgates opened.

The New York Times - Health

We deliver the pictures and can then stop thinking about it".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the subject performing the initial action is the same one doing the thinking for clarity. Ambiguity can arise if the subject changes without clear indication.

Common error

Avoid using "then thinking about" when you need a continuous tense. Instead of "He acted, then thinking about consequences", use "He acted, then was thinking about consequences" or "He acted, and then he thought about the consequences".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then thinking about" functions as an adverbial phrase, indicating the timing of a thought process in relation to a previous event. It modifies the verb by specifying when the thinking occurred. As Ludwig AI explains, it is indeed correct to use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

12%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "then thinking about" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a sequence where reflection follows an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for use in written English. It is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When using the phrase, ensure correct tense and clarity regarding the subject performing both the action and the thought process. Consider alternatives such as "subsequently reflecting on" or "thereafter considering" to achieve different levels of formality or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsequently reflecting on

Replaces "thinking" with a more formal synonym "reflecting", adding "subsequently" to emphasize the sequence.

at that point considering

Replaces "then" with "at that point", keeping the core meaning of consideration.

thereafter considering

Uses "thereafter" instead of "then" for a more formal tone, and replaces "thinking" with "considering".

after that pondering

Substitutes "then" with "after that" and "thinking" with "pondering", suggesting a deeper contemplation.

in turn contemplating

Uses "in turn" to signify sequence, and replaces "thinking" with "contemplating".

following this contemplating

Employs "following this" instead of "then" and "contemplating" in place of "thinking", implying a more deliberate thought process.

afterward musing about

Replaces "thinking" with "musing", suggesting a more relaxed and informal thought process.

next turning one's thoughts to

Rephrases the entire structure to emphasize a shift in focus towards a new subject of thought.

upon further reflection

Condenses the phrase to highlight the reflective aspect, omitting the explicit sequence.

shifting focus to

Simplifies the phrase to emphasize the change in mental direction, losing the sequential marker.

FAQs

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

Use "then thinking about" to show a transition from one action or state to a subsequent thought process. For example, "She finished the exam, "then thinking about" the after-party".

What are some alternatives to "then thinking about"?

Alternatives include phrases like "subsequently reflecting on", "thereafter considering", or "after that pondering", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it correct to say "thinking then about" instead of "then thinking about"?

While grammatically possible in some rare constructions, "thinking then about" is not a standard or common phrasing. "Then thinking about" is the preferred and more natural word order.

What's the difference between "then thinking about" and "then considering"?

"Then thinking about" implies a general thought process, while "then considering" suggests a more deliberate evaluation of different options or factors. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.