this I was thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this I was thinking" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in a context where someone is reflecting on their thoughts, but it is more common to phrase it differently. Example: "As I sat there, this I was thinking: how can I improve my writing skills?"

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"I cannot be prepared for this, I was thinking".

The New York Times - Sports

"When I came up with this, I was thinking about a very successful dish we did years ago," he continued.

The New Yorker

"When I was watching this I was thinking 'Oh God, just go away...'. .. 'Jamaica Inn' begins tonight at 9pm on BBC1.

Independent

As I was listening to this, I was thinking 'we've got to do this,'" he told the audience of the Alan Carr: Chatty Man talk show on Friday.

Independent

"Before we did this, I was thinking at times that I should increase the number of sales people," Mr. Niizuma said.

The New York Times

"While I was doing this, I was thinking what the molecules in the test tubes I've been working with all these years would feel … bouncing around in a cold, unfeeling solution, looking for a binding partner".

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

One game went like this: "I'm thinking of a person".

The Guardian - Travel

As I'm saying this, I'm thinking mournfully about some of the later films I've done which haven't been so funny.

The Guardian - Film

The entire time I'm watching this, I'm thinking: So this is what hell looks/sounds like.

TechCrunch

Because up to this point I was thinking, "This is great, we're doing the Thomas Crown Affair".

The Guardian - Film

This year I was thinking maybe red".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reserve "this I was thinking" for instances where you wish to emphasize the immediacy and spontaneity of a thought, creating a sense of intimacy with the reader.

Common error

Refrain from using "this I was thinking" in academic papers or professional reports. Opt for more structured phrasing such as "I considered this" or "I was contemplating this" for greater clarity and formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this I was thinking" primarily functions as an introspective marker, signaling the introduction of a thought or idea that was present in the speaker's mind. Ludwig provides examples where it's used to convey a sense of reflection, as seen in news articles and personal narratives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this I was thinking" is a phrase used to introduce a thought or idea, often in a reflective or narrative context. According to Ludwig, the phrase is more common in News and Media and in Science, yet, it can be found in Formal and Business context but to a lesser extent. While not strictly formal, it can effectively convey a sense of immediacy and personal reflection. When in doubt, more structured phrasing like "I considered this" may be preferred for clarity. The phrases in Ludwig showcase its use across varied media, affirming its place in everyday language. Although Ludwig AI pinpoints the phrase as not standard in written English, it is used. Therefore, context is what matters the most in order to determine its use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is what was on my mind

Rephrases to emphasize the content of thought.

what I had in mind was this

Shifts to introduce the idea after a period of deliberation.

my thought process was

Focuses on the mental procedure itself, instead of the thinking's result.

the thought that crossed my mind was

Highlights the suddenness or unexpected nature of the idea.

I was contemplating this

Emphasizes prolonged consideration and reflection.

I considered this

Presents a more concise and direct statement of thought.

I was under the impression

Highlights initial and sometimes incorrect beliefs.

it occurred to me that

Points to a realization or a sudden awareness.

I had an idea that

Introduces a thought as a nascent or developing concept.

my inner monologue revolved around

Highlights an internal and on-going dialogue.

FAQs

What does "this I was thinking" mean?

The phrase "this I was thinking" expresses a thought or idea that the speaker had at a certain moment, often reflecting a stream of consciousness. It's similar to saying "this is what I was thinking" but with a slightly less formal tone.

How can I use "this I was thinking" in a sentence?

You can use "this I was thinking" to introduce a thought or idea, particularly in narrative or reflective writing. For example, "The rain started, and "this is what I thought": 'I should have brought an umbrella'."

What are some alternatives to "this I was thinking"?

Alternatives to "this I was thinking" include "this is what I thought", "I considered this", or "it occurred to me". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "this I was thinking" grammatically correct?

While "this I was thinking" may not be considered strictly grammatically correct in formal writing, it appears in published works and can be effective in conveying a sense of immediacy and personal reflection. It is generally more appropriate in informal contexts.