thinking on

USAGE SUMMARY

'thinking on' can be used in written English.
It is a phrase that means "considering" or "pondering about" something. For example: Thinking on the problem, I finally came up with a solution.

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm thinking on HHS.

The Economist

Keep thinking on this.

The New Yorker

I'm thinking on it.

The New York Times

"I'm still thinking on that.

The New York Times - Sports

That's thinking on your feet, right there.

The Guardian - Sport

Gonna really be thinking on it.

The Guardian - Film

Legal thinking on questions of authenticity has evolved since.

The New York Times - Arts

It also stunted thinking on ecumenism and tolerance.

The Economist

"Sometimes, thinking on your feet can be the most creative.

Independent

But occasionally thinking on the fly is required.

The New York Times - Arts

"I was thinking on the McDonald's model," Wegener told me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "thinking on" is acceptable, consider using "thinking about" for greater clarity and wider acceptance in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "thinking on" in highly formal documents. Opt for alternatives like "considering" or "reflecting on" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thinking on" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to indicate the object of thought or consideration. As Ludwig shows, it often appears with verbs of contemplation, such as "I'm thinking on it".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

27%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "thinking on" is used in contemporary English, particularly within news and media contexts, it's important to acknowledge it might not be suitable for formal settings, where "thinking about" is typically favored. Ludwig examples show acceptable usage. Choosing between "thinking on" and alternatives such as "considering" or "reflecting on" depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context. Although the Ludwig AI indicates that "thinking on" can be used, be aware of the subtle differences and consider your audience when making your selection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considering

Focuses on the act of careful thought and deliberation.

reflecting on

Emphasizes a deeper, more contemplative form of thinking.

pondering over

Implies a slow and careful consideration of a subject.

contemplating

Suggests a prolonged and focused period of thought.

deliberating on

Highlights the process of weighing different options or aspects.

mulling over

Indicates a casual and repetitive process of thinking.

giving thought to

A more formal way of saying someone is considering something.

concentrating on

Focuses on directing one's attention and mental effort.

focused on

Indicates a clear direction of one's thinking.

analyzing

Involves breaking down a topic into smaller parts for better understanding.

FAQs

Is "thinking on" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "thinking on" is less common than "thinking about". It's generally acceptable in informal contexts, but "thinking about" is often preferred in formal writing.

What's the difference between "thinking on" and "thinking about"?

"Thinking about" is more widely accepted and frequently used. "Thinking on" can sound slightly archaic or regional, though it conveys a similar meaning of considering something.

What can I say instead of "thinking on"?

You can use alternatives like "considering", "reflecting on", or "pondering depending on the context".

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

You can use "thinking on" to express consideration, like in "I'm thinking on the best approach for this project". However, be aware that "thinking about" may be perceived as more standard.