thinking back to then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thinking back to then" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when reflecting on past events or memories. Example: "Thinking back to then, I realize how much I have grown since that time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Thinking back to then, what I wanted to say I would still want to say, which is that ghastly acts of terrorism are not unconnected to Western foreign policy," in Britain as well as the United States, she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Thinking back to my words to you then, I set out my pledge to make stability the central pillar of my economic and business policy.

The Guardian

If you are in the middle of the Solution portion of your talk and you blank out, then by simply thinking back to your structure, you know that the Benefits portion comes next.

Stanford University

"Just thinking back to my childhood.

BBC

He's starting to think that in a hundred years we're going to look back on war the way we now look back on slavery, as an obsolete institution, and we'll say, "What were people thinking back then?" He thinks we're getting close to being finished with war, that our aversion to casualties is a part of that.

The New Yorker

I think that the whole process of walking, thinking and drawing goes right back to then.

The New York Times - Arts

"Some stuff I'll draw when I'm angry, but then I'll look at it a couple weeks later and think 'holy shit, what was I thinking back then?'" he said.

Vice

To the anarchist way of thinking, back then they were struggling against plain old police officers protecting the economic bigwigs and Starbucks.

The New York Times

What were your parents thinking back then seeing you hustle and work tirelessly to make your dreams happen?

Forbes

I was thinking back then about jamming together a short game to see if it gets popular, and if it's something I wanna spend more time on; but in the end, it was obvious that I should just keep making this".

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thinking back to then" to introduce a reflection on a specific period or event, providing context for subsequent analysis or understanding.

Common error

While "thinking back to then" is acceptable, it can sound less formal. In academic or professional contexts, consider alternatives like "in retrospect" or "upon reflection" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thinking back to then" functions as an introductory phrase or an adverbial phrase of time, setting the context for a recollection or reflection on a past period. Ludwig indicates that the expression is correct and usable. It introduces a shift in focus from the present to a past moment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thinking back to then" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that introduces a reflection on a past period. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's correct in written English and serves to transition the focus to a previous time. While versatile, it is more suited for informal and narrative contexts. More formal options like "in retrospect" exist for professional or academic writing. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources, where it's used to provide context or draw comparisons. Always consider the audience and desired tone when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reflecting on that time

Focuses on the act of reflection, replacing "thinking back" with a more direct synonym.

reminiscing about that period

Emphasizes the pleasant or nostalgic aspect of remembering.

looking back on that era

Uses "looking back" which is a common alternative to "thinking back".

in retrospect

Offers a more concise and formal way to express reflection.

upon reflection

Similar to "in retrospect" but can introduce a more thoughtful consideration.

considering the past

A more general phrase that encompasses the act of thinking about past events.

with the benefit of hindsight

Highlights the advantage of knowing how things turned out when reflecting.

remembering those days

Focuses on the act of recalling specific days or a period.

in light of what happened

Emphasizes the impact of past events on current understanding.

assessing the situation then

Focuses on a critical evaluation of a past scenario.

FAQs

How can I use "thinking back to then" in a sentence?

You can use "thinking back to then" to introduce a memory or a reflection on a past time, such as, "Thinking back to then, I realize how much I've changed." It helps to set the stage for a contrast between the past and present.

What are some alternatives to "thinking back to then"?

Alternatives include "reflecting on that time", "in retrospect", or "looking back on that era". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "thinking back to then" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "thinking back to then" is generally more suitable for informal or narrative writing. In formal contexts, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "upon reflection" or "with the benefit of hindsight".

What's the difference between "thinking back to then" and "remembering that time"?

"Thinking back to then" implies a more deliberate act of reflection, while "remembering that time" simply refers to recalling a past event. The former is often used to introduce an analysis or understanding gained from the past, while the latter is a general recollection.