thinking of

USAGE SUMMARY

"thinking of" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to introduce ideas or express your current thoughts: "I'm thinking of getting a new job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You're thinking of aïoli.

The New Yorker

Thinking of those affected.

Independent

I'm only thinking of you.

The New Yorker

Thinking of upgrading your phone?

The New York Times

We are thinking of you.

The New York Times

/ You're always thinking of yourself.

The New Yorker

(Thinking of a fresh Butterball).

The New York Times

"I was thinking of you".

The New Yorker

— You're thinking of someone else.

The New Yorker

What was I thinking of?

The New Yorker

They're not thinking of voting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing concern or sympathy, "thinking of" can be used to show support: "We are "thinking of" you during this difficult time."

Common error

In formal or academic writing, avoid overuse of "thinking of". Instead, opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "considering", "evaluating", or "analyzing" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

"Thinking of" functions as a prepositional phrase that often introduces a subject of consideration, planning, or contemplation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in English. It indicates the beginning stages of mental engagement with a topic or possibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thinking of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express contemplation, planning, or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. While highly versatile, in formal writing, alternatives like "considering" or "evaluating" might be more appropriate. Ludwig examples demonstrate its prevalence in news and media, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary. Remember to use it to introduce ideas, express sympathy, or show support, ensuring clarity and appropriateness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considering

This alternative directly replaces "thinking of" with a simpler synonym, focusing on the act of contemplation.

contemplating

Conveys a sense of deep thought or meditation.

reflecting on

Suggests looking back at something and considering its meaning or implications.

on my mind

Indicates something is being actively thought about or worried over.

pondering over

Implies a more deliberate and thoughtful consideration.

entertaining the idea of

Suggests considering something as a possibility.

giving thought to

A more formal way of saying "thinking about."

in consideration of

Implies a formal or serious evaluation of something.

occupied with the thought of

Indicates that someone is preoccupied or constantly considering something.

with the intention of

Shifts the focus to the potential action resulting from the thought.

FAQs

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

"Thinking of" is typically followed by a gerund (verb + -ing) or a noun phrase to express what you are considering, for example, "I'm "thinking of" moving to a new city" or "I'm "thinking of" my family".

What are some alternatives to "I'm thinking of"?

You can use alternatives like "I'm considering", "I'm pondering", or "I'm contemplating" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "thinking about" instead of "thinking of"?

While both "thinking of" and "thinking about" are often interchangeable, "thinking of" can sometimes imply a more immediate or preliminary consideration, while "thinking about" might suggest a more in-depth reflection. Context matters.

When should I use "considering" instead of "thinking of"?

"Considering" is a more formal alternative suitable for professional or academic contexts, where a deliberate and thoughtful evaluation is implied. "Thinking of" is generally more casual and can be used in everyday conversation.