was thinking about

USAGE SUMMARY

"was thinking about" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that someone was considering or pondering something. Here is an example: "I was thinking about what I wanted to do with my life when I received a job offer from my dream company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I was thinking about staying.

Independent

"I was thinking about surviving".

The New York Times

I was thinking about them.

The New York Times

He was thinking about sushi.

The New Yorker

I was thinking about nature.

The New Yorker

"He was thinking about Carol".

The New York Times

She was thinking about lichens.

The New York Times - Science

"I was thinking about him.

The New York Times

I was thinking about that.

Cornell University

Nobody was thinking about it.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I was thinking [about] it," said Jones.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was thinking about", ensure the context clearly indicates whether it refers to a past consideration or an ongoing thought process. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the message.

Common error

Avoid ending a sentence abruptly after "was thinking about". Always complete the thought with what you were considering to provide clarity and prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was thinking about" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of contemplation or consideration regarding a particular subject or action. It's commonly used to introduce a thought process that occurred in the past. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

15%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was thinking about" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a past state of contemplation or consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears frequently in reputable sources such as the New York Times and the New Yorker, and is appropriate for neutral contexts. To use it effectively, ensure you complete the thought to avoid ambiguity, and choose synonyms like "considered" or "contemplated" for variety. By following these tips, you can confidently incorporate "was thinking about" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

given thought to

Focuses on the act of dedicating mental effort to a subject.

considered

Emphasizes evaluating different options or aspects.

had in mind

Refers to a plan or intention that is being considered.

contemplated

Focuses on a more deliberate and thoughtful consideration.

entertained the idea of

Indicates that a particular thought or possibility was being considered.

weighed up

Highlights the process of balancing pros and cons.

envisioned

Implies imagining a future scenario or outcome.

pondered over

Implies a deep and prolonged thought process.

foreseen

Suggests thinking about something before it happens or becomes relevant.

mused on

Suggests a more reflective and less structured form of thinking.

FAQs

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

Use "was thinking about" to introduce a past thought or consideration, like "I "was thinking about" taking a vacation next month".

What are some alternatives to "was thinking about"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you could use phrases like "considered", "contemplated", or "had in mind".

Is it correct to say "I am thinking about" instead of "was thinking about"?

Yes, "I am thinking about" indicates a present, ongoing thought, while "I "was thinking about"" refers to a past thought process.

What's the difference between "was thinking about" and "was considering"?

"Was considering" often implies a more formal and deliberate evaluation, whereas "was thinking about" can refer to a broader range of thoughts, including casual or fleeting ones.