thinking that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thinking that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are presenting an idea that you have arrived at after consideration or contemplation. For example, "I decided to take the job, thinking that the extra money would give me more financial security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So I am not thinking that way.

Independent

I wasn't thinking that way.

The New York Times - Sports

Thinking that makes them smart.

The Guardian - Film

"Academics aren't used to thinking that way".

The New York Times

"We're not thinking that way," Moss said.

The New York Times - Sports

The dog isn't thinking, That is gross.

The New York Times - Magazine

But most people aren't thinking that way.

The New York Times

They won't be thinking that way.

The Guardian - Sport

I remember thinking: that poster's lying.

The Guardian

Kelly might have been thinking that way.

The New York Times - Sports

N.T.T. is not thinking that way.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by placing "thinking that" at the beginning, middle, or end of a clause to enhance readability.

Common error

Avoid mismatching tenses after "thinking that". If the main clause is in the past tense, ensure the subsequent clause also uses a past tense form. Incorrect: I went to the store, thinking that she is there. Correct: I went to the store, thinking that she was there.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thinking that" functions primarily as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a clause that explains the reason, cause, or assumption behind a statement or action. As shown by Ludwig AI, it clarifies the motivation behind a thought or decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thinking that" is a versatile phrase serving as a subordinating conjunction to introduce clauses of reason or explanation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While seemingly simple, mastering its usage requires attention to tense agreement to avoid common errors. Alternative phrases like "believing that" or "assuming that" can be used for subtle shifts in meaning. With its clear function and broad applicability, "thinking that" remains a valuable tool in effective writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concluding that

Signifies reaching a judgment or decision based on evidence.

believing that

Emphasizes a firm conviction or acceptance of something as true.

reasoning that

Focuses on a logical or rational thought process.

assuming that

Suggests taking something for granted without concrete proof.

understanding that

Highlights comprehension and awareness of a particular fact.

supposing that

Implies a hypothetical consideration or conjecture.

considering that

Implies taking something into account or giving it weight.

imagining that

Highlights the role of imagination and visualization.

figuring that

Indicates a more casual or informal assessment.

opining that

Suggests a personal opinion or view on a matter.

FAQs

How to use "thinking that" in a sentence?

You can use "thinking that" to introduce a clause that explains a reason, belief, or assumption behind an action or statement. For example, "I chose this route, thinking that it would be faster."

What can I say instead of "thinking that"?

You can use alternatives like "believing that", "assuming that", or "reasoning that" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "thinking that" or "think that"?

"Thinking that" is used to introduce a subordinate clause that explains a reason or assumption, while "think that" is a simple statement of belief or opinion. Both are correct but used in different contexts.

What's the difference between "thinking that" and "feeling that"?

"Thinking that" implies a cognitive process and rational belief, whereas "feeling that" suggests an intuition or emotional sense. For example, "I was thinking that it might rain" versus "I was feeling that something was wrong."