they were thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were thinking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's thoughts or considerations in the past. Example: "As they sat in silence, they were thinking about the choices they had made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I don't think they were thinking big".

The New York Times - Health

"I didn't think they were thinking, 'Yes!' " he said.

The New York Times

I think they were thinking it was a good idea.

Los Angeles Times

They were thinking big.

The New York Times

They were thinking: "Amateurs".

The Guardian - Opinion

They were thinking about BREXIT.

Harvard Business Review

Opposition leaders insisted they were thinking ahead.

The New York Times

"I guarantee you they were thinking it".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I think they are thinking it over.

BBC

They're thinking about themselves.

The New York Times - Sports

They're thinking about money.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were thinking", ensure the context provides enough information about who "they" refers to, and that their thoughts are relevant to the overall message.

Common error

Ensure that the pronoun "they" is clearly defined in your writing. Vague references can confuse readers and undermine the clarity of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were thinking" functions as a verb phrase, specifically the past continuous tense, used to describe an ongoing mental process or consideration by a group of people. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various narrative and descriptive contexts. It expresses the subject's mental activity at a specific time in the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were thinking" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe an ongoing mental process of a group in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in academic and business contexts. When using the phrase, clarity of pronoun reference is essential to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "they contemplated" or "they were considering" can be used to add nuance. With its widespread usage across authoritative sources, mastering the use of "they were thinking" enhances writing precision and expressiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were considering

Emphasizes the process of weighing options or possibilities, a key aspect of thinking.

their thoughts were

A more direct way of expressing what was going through their minds, focusing on the content of their thoughts.

they contemplated

Highlights the act of deeply considering something, emphasizing the thoughtfulness of their thinking.

they were under the impression

Indicates a belief or understanding, which is a form of thinking, but emphasizes the potentially mistaken nature of that belief.

they had in mind

Focuses on their intention or plan, which stems from their thoughts and considerations.

they surmised

Implies forming an opinion or making a judgment based on incomplete information, a specific type of thinking.

they figured

Suggests a casual or intuitive form of thinking, often leading to a conclusion or expectation.

it was their belief

Shifts the focus to the outcome of their thinking, emphasizing what they came to believe or accept as true.

they envisioned

Implies a mental image or plan, a specific type of thinking focused on future possibilities.

they anticipated

Focuses on their expectations about the future, a form of thinking based on prediction or foresight.

FAQs

How can I use "they were thinking" in a sentence?

You can use "they were thinking" to describe the thoughts or considerations of a group of people. For example, "As the deadline approached, they were thinking about how to best allocate their resources."

What are some alternatives to "they were thinking"?

Alternatives include phrases like "they were considering", "they contemplated", or "they were under the impression", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "they was thinking"?

No, "they was thinking" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "they were thinking", as "they" is a plural pronoun and requires the plural form of the verb "to be".

What's the difference between "they were thinking" and "they thought"?

"They were thinking" implies a continuous process of thought, whereas "they thought" suggests a completed act of thinking or a conclusion. For example, "They were thinking about the problem all night" versus "They thought the solution was simple".