thinking of becoming

USAGE SUMMARY

"thinking of becoming" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are considering taking on a new activity, role, or status. For example: "I'm thinking of becoming a teacher so I can help young people reach their full potential."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

If you're thinking of becoming a scene site-model, think of a word that begins with the first letter of your name like Brookelle Bones.

WikiHow

If you had been frank, you would have known the sweetest moments of your life.... Since leaving I have become tremendously pure, and if I manage to survive I'm thinking of becoming a saint.

The New Yorker

"I was thinking of becoming a philosopher," he said.

The New Yorker

"We are thinking of becoming fugitives," he half-jokes.

The Guardian - Arts

Any advice for someone thinking of becoming a private landlord?

The Guardian - Money

He said: 'Are you thinking of becoming an academy?

The Guardian

"I was thinking of becoming a philosopher,'' he said.

The New Yorker

Now he's thinking of becoming a Buddhist or a punk rocker.

The New York Times

She had been thinking of becoming an Earth Representative of the Council.

The New Yorker

"When can you start work?" "Actually, she is thinking of becoming a doctor," her mother said.

The New York Times

The last fret-cutter is thinking of becoming a computer operator.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thinking of becoming" to express a state of consideration or contemplation, rather than a firm decision. If you've already made a decision, use phrases like "planning to become" or "intending to become".

Common error

Avoid using "thinking of becoming" when you have already committed to a course of action. This phrase implies uncertainty, and using it when you are certain can mislead your audience. Instead, opt for phrases that convey certainty, such as "I am going to be" or "I have decided to become".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thinking of becoming" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a state of contemplation or consideration regarding a future role or identity. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct and usable form in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

9%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thinking of becoming" is a versatile phrase used to express consideration or contemplation about taking on a new role, identity, or activity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. It's crucial to use this phrase when you're in the process of deliberation, rather than when you've made a firm decision. While common in news, media, and informal settings, "thinking of becoming" maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. Be mindful to avoid using it when certainty is intended, and consider alternatives like "planning to become" or "intending to become" to convey more definitive intentions. This will help you avoid miscommunication and improve the clarity of your writing. Remember to be clear and specific to avoid any kind of ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considering becoming

Focuses more directly on the act of deliberation.

contemplating becoming

Implies a deeper and more thoughtful consideration.

entertaining the idea of becoming

Suggests a lighter, more exploratory consideration.

planning to become

Indicates a more concrete and proactive approach.

intending to become

Emphasizes the speaker's purpose or aim.

exploring the possibility of becoming

Highlights the investigative nature of the consideration.

with aspirations of becoming

Suggests a strong desire or ambition.

eyeing a future as

Informal and suggests ambition.

on the verge of becoming

Implies an imminent transition.

toying with the notion of becoming

Suggests a casual and perhaps unserious consideration.

FAQs

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

Use "thinking of becoming" to express that you are considering a new role, identity, or activity. For instance, "I am thinking of becoming a software engineer" indicates you're exploring that career path.

What's a more formal alternative to "thinking of becoming"?

For more formal contexts, you could use "considering becoming" or "contemplating becoming". These options suggest a more deliberate and thoughtful process.

When should I not use "thinking of becoming"?

Avoid using "thinking of becoming" if you've already made a firm decision. In such cases, use phrases like "I am going to be" or "I intend to become" to convey certainty instead.

What's the difference between "thinking of becoming" and "planning to become"?

"Thinking of becoming" implies consideration, while "planning to become" suggests you've moved beyond consideration and are actively making preparations.