thinking whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thinking whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you are considering a choice between two or more options. For example: I was sitting in my office, thinking whether I should go out for lunch or just eat the sandwich I brought from home.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

He thinks about what exactly he might say to his mother to keep her from chaperoning, without thinking whether this might be lies or truth.

The New Yorker

"I was thinking whether I wanted to live or not," she said.

The New York Times

"He'll tell you exactly what he's thinking, whether you like it or not," midfielder Clint Dempsey said.

The New York Times - Sports

That's their big barrier, thinking whether or not they should allow me to help them in anything".

The Guardian - Arts

Their tasks have included the suppression of wrong ways of thinking, whether these were defined as religious heresies or deviations from the party line.

The Economist

So I'm not just watching Anne Hathaway singing, I'm thinking whether Anne Hathaway is singing as well as someone else might have sung in the role.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

I am thinking about whether to continue or whether to quit.

The Guardian - Tech

Now he is thinking about whether you were being polite or whether you like him and he will start thinking about you in a different light.

WikiHow

Some people think it's a really valuable way to get information about what somebody's thinking -- whether a mayor, Congressman, Senator, or president".

Huffington Post

Yet whatever Stalin was thinking -- whether he deluded himself or was deluded by Hitler -- the fact remains that he, and he alone, was to blame for the greatest military defeat in Russian history.

The New York Times

He's still thinking about whether he has ever choked.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thinking whether" when you want to convey the process of weighing two or more options or possibilities in your mind.

Common error

Avoid adding unnecessary clauses or phrases around "thinking whether" that can make the sentence convoluted. Keep the sentence structure clear and concise for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thinking whether" functions as an introductory element to an indirect question, expressing a state of contemplation or consideration. It sets the stage for exploring different possibilities, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

22%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thinking whether" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate contemplation of different options or possibilities. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it is most frequently used in news and media, followed by science, and wiki sources. While alternatives like "considering if" and "wondering whether" exist, "thinking whether" effectively conveys the process of weighing alternatives in one's mind. Be mindful of sentence structure to maintain clarity and avoid unnecessary complexity. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of this phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considering if

Replaces "whether" with "if", slightly altering the grammatical structure while maintaining the core meaning of pondering a condition.

contemplating whether

Substitutes "thinking" with "contemplating", indicating a more deliberate and prolonged consideration.

pondering if

Replaces "thinking whether" with "pondering if", conveying a sense of deep and thoughtful reflection.

wondering whether

Uses "wondering" instead of "thinking", implying a sense of curiosity or mild uncertainty.

debating if

Replaces "thinking whether" with "debating if", suggesting an internal discussion or weighing of options.

assessing if

Substitutes "thinking" with "assessing", indicating a more analytical evaluation of a condition.

evaluating whether

Replaces "thinking" with "evaluating", suggesting a careful judgment of different possibilities.

examining if

Substitutes "thinking" with "examining", indicating a detailed inspection of a conditional situation.

analyzing whether

Replaces "thinking" with "analyzing", implying a systematic breakdown and study of different options.

deliberating if

Substitutes "thinking" with "deliberating", conveying a sense of careful and lengthy consideration before making a decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "thinking whether" to express the act of considering different options or possibilities. For instance, "I am thinking whether I should take the job offer or continue my studies."

What are some alternatives to "thinking whether"?

Alternatives to "thinking whether" include "considering if", "wondering whether", and "contemplating whether".

Is it grammatically correct to say "thinking whether"?

Yes, "thinking whether" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express the act of considering different possibilities or options.

What's the difference between "thinking whether" and "considering whether"?

"Thinking whether" and "considering whether" are very similar in meaning. "Considering" often implies a more deliberate and thoughtful process than "thinking", but they are largely interchangeable.