thinking about joining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thinking about joining" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing consideration or contemplation regarding becoming a member of a group, organization, or activity. Example: "I am currently thinking about joining the local book club to meet new people and discuss literature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

So I don't think experienced employees should stop thinking about tomorrow — I just think some of them should stop thinking about joining a fast-growth company.

The New York Times

Don't be friends with the popular kids because if drama starts you could pulled right in it and you can also get in trouble with the popular kids so if you were thinking about joining them you may want to think about it.

WikiHow

If she runs, others are thinking about joining the ticket.

The New York Times

Watson has a key selling point for freshers thinking about joining.

The Guardian

Now she is thinking about joining the force, in part thanks to Foster's example.

The Guardian

There are so many investment rules, personnel and legal issues deterring companies from even thinking about joining the utility business".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Worth thinking about, indeed.

The New York Times

And so he sits there seething, thinking about how he joined this church 56 years ago, how he followed it from downtown Atlanta to the suburbs, how he hung the Sheetrock with his own hands, and how the blacks are taking over and the whites are just letting it happen.

The New York Times

I couldn't help thinking about going to join him.' Similarly, C34 said, 'He was a good friend to me.

BMC Psychiatry

And, just as there are departures at any company that's acquired or has an IPO once shares are no longer locked up, you're going to see even more Hulu employees thinking about what comes next and joining new companies.

TechCrunch

At Westminster, there is no joined up thinking about fire and rescue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thinking about joining", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being considered for joining. For example: "She is thinking about joining the volunteer program."

Common error

Avoid using "thinking about joining" when the action has already been decided. Instead, use "planning to join" or "going to join" to indicate a firm decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thinking about joining" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It indicates the state of considering or contemplating becoming a member of something, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thinking about joining" is a grammatically sound and frequently used gerund phrase that conveys the act of considering membership or participation. According to Ludwig, it appears most commonly in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. While generally neutral in register, more formal or casual alternatives exist, such as "considering becoming a member" or "looking at joining", respectively. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and widespread applicability, making it a reliable choice for expressing contemplation of joining.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considering becoming a member

More formal and emphasizes the act of becoming a member.

contemplating joining

More formal and suggests deeper thought and consideration.

pondering joining

Suggests a thoughtful and deliberate consideration.

weighing up joining

British English; implies carefully considering the pros and cons.

giving thought to joining

More descriptive and less direct.

exploring the possibility of joining

Highlights the act of investigating whether to join.

eyeing up membership

Informal; suggests interest with a focus on membership benefits.

looking at joining

More casual and general in its suggestion.

taking into consideration joining

Formal; Emphasizes the act of actively including something in one's judgment.

entertaining the idea of joining

Suggests that the idea is being considered but not necessarily seriously.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "thinking about joining" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "considering becoming a member" or "contemplating joining". These options suggest a more deliberate and serious consideration.

What's a more casual way to say "thinking about joining"?

Informal alternatives include "looking at joining" or "eyeing up membership". These phrases convey a more relaxed and less committal interest.

How do I use "thinking about joining" in a sentence?

You can use "thinking about joining" to express that someone is considering becoming a member of a group, organization, or activity. For example: "I'm thinking about joining the local gym".

Which is correct, "thinking of joining" or "thinking about joining"?

Both "thinking of joining" and "thinking about joining" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice between them often depends on personal preference, as their meanings are very similar.