thinking hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thinking hard" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who is actively engaged in trying to solve a difficult problem or come up with a creative solution. For example, "He was thinking hard, trying to come up with a solution to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think it's worth thinking hard about what "all" means to you personally.

HuffPost

"I don't think we're actually thinking hard enough about the benefits," he said.

Los Angeles Times

Thinking hard about it!

The New Yorker

He seemed to be thinking hard.

The New Yorker

I'm thinking hard about applying.

Harvard Business Review

Maybe that's me not thinking hard enough.

The New York Times - Sports

Dominic screws up his face, thinking hard.

The Washington Post

I'm thinking hard and scratching my head.

The Guardian - Money

And that started me thinking and thinking hard.

The Economist

And she's thinking hard about the future.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm thinking hard about faults, really I am.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "thinking hard" with a prepositional phrase to clarify the subject of thought (e.g., "thinking hard about the future", "thinking hard on how to improve", etc.).

Common error

While "thinking hard" is generally acceptable, consider more nuanced alternatives like "pondering" or "contemplating" in formal writing or situations where a more sophisticated tone is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thinking hard" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger clause to describe the action of engaging in intense cognitive activity. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and common in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

24%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thinking hard" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that effectively conveys serious and focused mental effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for a variety of contexts, ranging from news and media to academic writing. While alternatives like "pondering deeply" or "considering carefully" may be preferable in more formal settings, "thinking hard" remains a versatile and readily understood way to describe intense cognitive activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considering carefully

This option emphasizes the thoroughness and attention to detail in the thought process.

giving serious thought

This option is more formal and highlights the importance being given to the subject of thought.

pondering deeply

This alternative uses a more literary verb to convey a sense of profound contemplation.

contemplating intensely

This emphasizes the depth and focus of the mental effort, similar to pondering deeply but with a more active connotation.

reflecting intently

This phrase highlights the focus and concentration involved in the act of thinking.

deliberating thoroughly

This suggests a more formal and structured approach to thinking, implying a decision-making process.

grappling with ideas

This alternative depicts a more active and challenging engagement with complex concepts.

wrestling with a problem

This suggests the act of dealing with a situation is difficult and requires effort.

racking one's brain

This idiom suggests a great effort to remember or to solve a difficult problem.

burning the midnight oil

This idiom implies that the subject is thinking for a long time to solve or to achieve a certain situation.

FAQs

How can I use "thinking hard" in a sentence?

You can use "thinking hard" to describe someone engaged in intense mental effort, for example, "She was thinking hard about the problem before offering a solution".

What are some alternatives to "thinking hard"?

Some alternatives include "pondering deeply", "considering carefully", or "reflecting intently", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "thinking hard" or "thinking deeply"?

Both "thinking hard" and "thinking deeply" are correct, but "thinking deeply" suggests a more profound or philosophical contemplation. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

Can "thinking hard" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "thinking hard" is acceptable in formal writing, but consider alternatives like "giving serious thought" or "considering carefully" for a more sophisticated tone.