gerund or present participle
Using your mind to consider something, understand it, or find an answer.
I am thinking about what to have for dinner.
Thinking carefully can help you make a good decision.
American English
How to pronounce thinking
verb · nounA1Very common word
THIHNGkihng
/ˈθɪŋ.kɪŋ/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of think
Thinking is used in continuous verb phrases and also as an uncountable noun for mental activity.
Using your mind to consider something, understand it, or find an answer.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
gerund or present participle
Having an opinion about something or believing that something is true.
I am thinking that we should leave early.
She is thinking the same thing as you.
gerund or present participle
Trying to remember a person, name, word, or fact.
I am thinking of the name of that restaurant.
She is thinking of the answer.
gerund or present participle
Finding an idea or possible plan in your mind.
We are thinking of a better solution.
She is thinking of a way to save money.
Useful expressions
to consider something carefully before doing it
Think twice before you share that photo.
to consider something carefully before making a decision
I need a day to think it over.
to form your own opinions instead of simply following other people
She encourages her students to think for themselves.
Related words & forms
The past and past participle are thought, not thinked.