thinking of leaving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'thinking of leaving' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are considering making a change or decision, such as leaving your job or ending a relationship. For example: "After years of feeling undervalued, I'm thinking of leaving my job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My sister is thinking of leaving too.

The Guardian - Money

No one is thinking of leaving Tottenham.

Independent

But we're thinking of leaving the EU.

The Guardian

After Brexit, they're thinking of leaving.

The Washington Post

Mr. Gao began thinking of leaving China.

The New York Times - Books

"I'm thinking of leaving," Shelby said one day.

The New Yorker

"He was cheating on his wife, thinking of leaving her.

The New York Times

Like others, Dr. Nadel is thinking of leaving.

The New York Times

"Now I am thinking of leaving," he said.

The New York Times

What a loss, if he's thinking of leaving.

The Guardian

All the Robertsons are now thinking of leaving "Duck Dynasty".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thinking of leaving", clearly specify what you are considering leaving to avoid ambiguity. For example, "I'm thinking of leaving my job" is clearer than "I'm thinking of leaving".

Common error

While "thinking of leaving" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound indecisive. Use more direct alternatives like "considering resignation" or "contemplating departure" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thinking of leaving" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It indicates a state of contemplation or consideration about departing from a particular situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thinking of leaving" is a very common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to express the contemplation of departing from a situation. According to Ludwig AI, it is a usable phrase in written English. As evidenced by numerous examples in Ludwig, the phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, exhibiting a neutral register. While suitable for general use, more formal alternatives might be preferable in specific professional settings. When using the phrase, it is helpful to specify what one is considering leaving. Common errors include overuse in formal contexts, where more direct alternatives might be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considering departure

Focuses on the act of considering leaving, emphasizing the deliberation process.

contemplating resignation

Specifically implies thinking about leaving a job or formal position.

mulling over relocation

Suggests pondering a change of location or residence.

weighing up moving

Highlights the act of carefully evaluating the pros and cons of moving.

pondering a change

A general consideration of a significant shift in circumstances, not necessarily involving departure.

entertaining the idea of going

Suggests considering the possibility of leaving, often in a less serious or committed way.

leaning towards exiting

Implies a tendency or inclination to leave, suggesting a higher degree of certainty.

on the verge of departing

Suggests imminence or being close to the point of leaving.

on the point of withdrawing

Indicates an imminent decision to retract or remove oneself from a situation.

giving thought to a farewell

Emphasizes the act of thinking about saying goodbye, hinting at an emotional aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "thinking of leaving" to express that you are considering departing from a job, place, or relationship. For example, "She's thinking of leaving her current position for a better opportunity."

What are some alternatives to "thinking of leaving"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "considering departure", "contemplating resignation", or "mulling over relocation".

Is it better to say "thinking of leaving" or "considering leaving"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. However, "considering leaving" might be perceived as slightly more formal than "thinking of leaving".

What does it mean when someone says they are "thinking of leaving"?

It means they are contemplating departing from a situation, whether it's a job, a relationship, a location, or something else. The specific context would provide more clarity.