thinking the same thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thinking the same thing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that two or more people share the same thoughts or opinions about a particular subject. Example: "When we both saw the new policy, I could tell we were both thinking the same thing about its implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I was thinking the same thing.

The New York Times

He's probably thinking the same thing.

The New York Times

They were thinking the same thing.

The Guardian - Film

I found myself thinking the same thing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I was just thinking the same thing".

The New York Times

Was thinking the same thing… rule change, please!

The New York Times

The HBO producers are probably thinking the same thing.

The New York Times - Sports

Over in Corona, Raquel Charter was thinking the same thing.

The New York Times

To which Buzinski replied, "I was thinking the same thing".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But it turns out Systrom and Krieger were thinking the same thing.

TechCrunch

Kenny's rivals in the men's sprint will be thinking the same thing.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thinking the same thing" to show alignment or agreement between individuals or groups. It's particularly effective in dialogues or narratives to create a sense of connection or shared understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "thinking the same thing" in formal reports or academic papers where a more precise or analytical expression of agreement is required. Instead, opt for phrases like "sharing a similar perspective" or "arriving at the same conclusion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thinking the same thing" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that two or more people share the same thought, idea, or opinion simultaneously. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thinking the same thing" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic expression used to indicate shared thoughts or agreement. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in academic settings. While versatile, it may be too informal for highly formal writing, where more precise alternatives might be preferable. Alternatives like "having the same thought" or "arriving at the same conclusion" can be used to convey similar meanings in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having the same thought

Focuses more directly on the shared idea rather than the process of thinking.

being on the same wavelength

Implies a deeper, almost intuitive understanding or agreement.

seeing eye to eye

Emphasizes agreement and shared perspective.

sharing the same opinion

Highlights that both parties have identical viewpoints.

being of the same mind

Suggests a complete alignment of thoughts and intentions.

having similar ideas

Highlights that both parties have identical viewpoints.

agreeing completely

Focuses on the act of agreement, rather than the shared thought process.

coming to the same conclusion

Highlights the endpoint of a thought process being identical.

converging on the same idea

Suggests that different thought processes have led to a single, shared idea.

resonating with the same viewpoint

Emphasizes an emotional or intuitive connection to the same idea.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "thinking the same thing"?

To be "thinking the same thing" means that two or more people have identical or very similar thoughts or ideas at the same time, often indicating agreement or a shared understanding.

How can I use "thinking the same thing" in a sentence?

You can use "thinking the same thing" to express a shared thought or agreement, for example: "When we saw the proposal, we were both "thinking the same thing": this is a bad idea."

What can I say instead of "thinking the same thing"?

You can use alternatives like "having the same thought", "being on the same wavelength", or "seeing eye to eye" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "thinking the same thing" in formal writing?

While "thinking the same thing" is widely understood, it might be too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "sharing a similar perspective" or "arriving at the same conclusion" in those contexts.