thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "thinking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action or attitude, such as: "I was thinking about what she said and decided to take her advice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Because the women have come back and gone 'well you may be thinking that way, but it's not the way we think'".

The Guardian - Arts

CH: "I hope you are okay, just to let you know I'm thinking of you lots and love you".

The Guardian

We can more or less know what you're thinking about".

The Economist

However, it did leave me thinking what the party would look like if the membership had left the leadership alone in Whitehall.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was thinking: how will this painting be taken?

The Guardian

It feels [like] the same way I am thinking [about Murray's game], so it feels great.

The Guardian - Sport

Thinking about it, it might be more accurate to say that dogs are natural Tories.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He phrased it well, said we spend more time thinking about our next inevitable failure than our next success.

The Guardian - Sport

However, that doesn't mean unintentional, unconscious antisemitism isn't possible – journalists working against time and under pressure to deliver a Tory victory are certainly susceptible to seizing on the meanest image they can find, without thinking through what it connotes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thinking they are heading uphill they accelerate – only to discover they are speeding along faster than intended.

The Guardian - Travel

After all, when it looked as if Scotland was thinking seriously about leaving the UK, billions of pounds were wiped off the stock market.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add precision, follow "thinking" with a prepositional phrase like "thinking about" or "thinking of" to specify the object of thought.

Common error

Avoid using "I think" when you actually possess concrete knowledge. "I think" implies uncertainty, while "I know" suggests certainty. Choose the appropriate term to accurately convey your level of confidence.

Linguistic Context

Thinking primarily functions as a verb (present participle) or a gerund. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. Examples show it expressing ongoing mental activity or a general process of thought.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Thinking is a versatile term used to describe cognitive processes, opinions, and considerations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. With its prevalence in News & Media, understanding its proper usage and context is crucial. To enhance your writing, be mindful of the subtle differences between alternatives such as "considering" or "reasoning" and avoid using "think" when you possess definite knowledge. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "thinking" to convey your thoughts and ideas with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considering

Focuses on the act of deliberation and weighing options before making a decision.

reasoning

Stresses the logical process of forming conclusions or judgments.

reflecting

Focuses on thinking deeply or carefully about something.

believing

Emphasizes a state of mind where one holds something to be true.

contemplating

Implies deep and prolonged thought about something.

opining

Highlights the expression of a personal opinion or viewpoint.

perceiving

Emphasizes the awareness and understanding gained through the senses or intellect.

assuming

Suggests accepting something as true without proof.

imagining

Highlights the formation of a mental image or concept.

speculating

Involves forming a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "thinking" in a sentence?

"Thinking" can be used as a verb, for example, "I am thinking about my future", or as a noun, such as in the phrase "critical thinking".

What are some alternatives to "thinking"?

Depending on the context, you can use "considering", "believing", or "reasoning" as alternatives to "thinking".

Is it correct to say "I am thinking that"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. However, using "I think that" may sound more natural in many contexts.

What's the difference between "thinking" and "feeling"?

"Thinking" involves cognitive processes and reasoning, whereas "feeling" relates to emotions and sensations. They represent different aspects of human experience.