thinking of what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thinking of what" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward or incomplete.
It can be used when you are contemplating or considering something specific, but it typically requires additional context to clarify the thought. Example: "I was thinking of what to say during the meeting."

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I was thinking of what you had just said.

The New Yorker

He was thinking of what he would tell his wife.

The New Yorker

Thinking of what I'd seen the day before".

The New Yorker

Ironic, thinking of what Matt might have guided him toward.

The New Yorker

I'm thinking of what I want to eat.

The New York Times - Food

"I'm not thinking of what could have been.

The New York Times - Sports

I stand there for a moment, disappointed, thinking of what could have been.

The New Yorker

Some of the most conservative parents and leaders are already thinking of what comes next.

The New York Times

I couldn't stop thinking of what would happen to him in Israel.

Independent

He was probably thinking of what he would eat for supper.

The Guardian - Books

She is always thinking of what she can do to move ahead".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, follow "thinking of what" with a specific noun or verb phrase indicating the object of thought. For example: "thinking of what to say", or "thinking of what the future holds".

Common error

Avoid using "thinking of what" without a clear object or purpose. This can leave the reader wondering what exactly is being contemplated. Always complete the phrase to provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thinking of what" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces an indirect question or a clause expressing contemplation. It often sets the stage for considering possibilities, future actions, or the content of one's thoughts. As Ludwig AI remarks, it requires additional context for clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thinking of what" is a prepositional phrase used to express contemplation or consideration. While Ludwig AI suggests that it can sometimes sound incomplete without additional context, it's a commonly used phrase across various domains, particularly in News & Media and Wiki content. For more formal settings, alternatives like "considering what" or "contemplating what" may be more appropriate. To ensure clarity, always follow "thinking of what" with a specific noun or verb phrase to clarify the object of thought.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considering what

This alternative replaces "thinking" with "considering", suggesting a more deliberate and careful thought process.

pondering what

Using "pondering" implies a deeper, more reflective consideration of the subject.

contemplating what

"Contemplating" suggests a thoughtful and extended period of reflection.

reflecting on what

This phrase emphasizes looking back and evaluating a past event or idea.

planning what

Focuses on the intention of creating a strategy or making arrangements.

deciding what

This emphasizes the act of making a choice or resolution.

determining what

Suggests a process of investigation and establishing facts.

figuring out what

This implies solving a problem or understanding something complex.

assessing what

Focuses on evaluating or judging the value or importance of something.

evaluating what

Suggests a systematic appraisal to form a judgment.

FAQs

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

Use "thinking of what" to express contemplation or consideration. For example, "I was thinking of what I should cook for dinner tonight".

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

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "considering what" or "contemplating what".

Is it grammatically correct to say "thinking of what"?

While commonly used, Ludwig AI notes that the phrase can sometimes sound awkward or incomplete. Adding context usually resolves this issue.

What's the difference between "thinking of what" and "thinking about what"?

"Thinking of what" implies considering possible options or future actions, whereas "thinking about what" suggests reflecting on something that has already occurred or exists. The difference is subtle but important for precision.