what was I thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what was I thinking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when reflecting on a past decision or action that seems unwise or irrational. Example: "After realizing I forgot my wallet at home, I couldn't help but ask myself, what was I thinking?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"When I look back, I think, 'What was I thinking?

The New York Times

"Most days I wake up and think, 'What was I thinking yesterday?' " Britt's grunginess belies a warm matter-of-factness, at least when describing her journey.

The New York Times

Have you ever agreed to something, and then later think, what was I thinking?

Huffington Post

What was I thinking?

The New York Times

What was I thinking of?

The New Yorker

So what was I thinking?

The Guardian - Tech

Good Christ, what was I thinking?

The New Yorker

Friday afternoon... what was I thinking?

The Guardian - Opinion

Oh God, what was I thinking?

The New York Times - Tech

Oh crap, what was I thinking?

The New Yorker

As for the hair, what was I thinking?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what was I thinking?", ensure the context clearly indicates the past action or decision you are questioning. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "what was I thinking?" when you actually seek external validation or justification for your actions. This phrase is best suited for personal reflection, not for soliciting opinions from others.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "what was I thinking" is to express a rhetorical question, typically indicating regret, disbelief, or questioning of a past action or decision. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which demonstrate the phrase's use in reflective contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what was I thinking" is a common expression used to convey regret, disbelief, or self-questioning about a past action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for informal or neutral settings, where its reflective and often exclamatory tone aligns with personal narratives. Consider alternatives like "what possessed me" or "why did I ever think that was a good idea" for variations in emphasis or formality. Avoid using it when seeking external validation, as its primary function is internal reflection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what on earth was I thinking

Adds emphasis to the disbelief and questioning of a past decision.

why did I ever think that was a good idea

Directly questions the rationale behind a past decision, highlighting its current perceived lack of merit.

what was I considering

Focuses on the thought process before a decision, emphasizing reflection about initial considerations.

what was going through my head

Focuses on the internal thought process at the time of the action, implying confusion about the original mindset.

what possessed me

Emphasizes a sense of being overtaken by an external force influencing a regrettable decision.

what came over me

Focuses on a sudden, inexplicable change in behavior leading to a questionable action.

I should have known better

Expresses regret and self-reproach for not anticipating negative consequences.

how could I have been so naive

Highlights a perceived lack of awareness or understanding at the time of the decision.

if only I had known

Expresses regret about a past action and expresses a wish to be able to change it.

I can't believe I did that

Expresses simple disbelief and regret over a past action.

FAQs

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

You can use "what was I thinking" to express regret or disbelief about a past decision. For example, "After realizing I forgot my keys, I thought, "what was I thinking"?"

What's the difference between "what was I thinking" and "what am I thinking"?

"What was I thinking" refers to a past action or decision you now regret, while "what am I thinking" questions a current or future plan. The former is retrospective, the latter is introspective.

What can I say instead of "what was I thinking"?

You can use alternatives like "what possessed me", "why did I ever think that was a good idea", or "how could I have been so naive" depending on the context.

Is "what was I thinking?" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "what was I thinking?" is generally more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using more restrained phrases to convey regret or questioning.