What is thinking? Pronunciation and usage in English

thinking means . Learn how to pronounce and use thinking through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of thinking

thinkingnoun

/ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of thinking

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "thinking." It can be a tricky word for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "think": This part is quite straightforward. It sounds like "think" as in "I think it's cold." The "th" sound is like the "th" in "this."

2. Adding "-ing":

  • "-ing" is where a lot of people stumble. It's not just a simple "ing." It adds a bit of a pull and a slight "ee" sound.

Here's a phonetic breakdown (using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA, which is the most accurate way to represent pronunciation):

  • think – /θɪŋk/ (IPA – This is the initial sound)
  • -ing – /ɪŋ/ (IPA – a short "i" sound, kind of like "in")

Putting it together: /θɪŋkɪŋ/

Here's how to say it in English, step-by-step, and more casually:

  1. "th": Make the "th" sound (as in "this").
  2. "ink": Say "ink" – a short, quick "i" sound.
  3. "ing": Now, add a subtle "ing" sound. It’s almost like a tiny, drawn-out "ee" sound after the "ink." Think of it as a slight pull on the vowel sound. It's not a full “ee” like in “see,” just a little bit of it.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't over-emphasize the "ing": It's a subtle addition, not a big, drawn-out sound.

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Search for "how to pronounce thinking" on YouTube. You'll find many videos with native speakers. Here are a few good options:

  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the word for you?
  • Give you some similar words with "-ing" to practice?

Usage and examples with the word thinking in English

Let's break down how to use the word "thinking" in English. It's a very versatile word with lots of different ways to use it! Here's a breakdown, organized by function:

1. As a Verb (Action - What you're doing)

  • Basic Action: This is the most common use. It simply means you're engaged in the process of considering something.

    • "I'm thinking about what to have for dinner."
    • "She’s thinking about her future."
    • "Are you thinking clearly?"

  • Thinking about something specific:

    • "I'm thinking about you." (Often implies concern or affection)
    • "I'm thinking about the problem." (Focusing on a specific issue)
    • "I'm thinking about taking a vacation." (Planning)

  • Thinking aloud: This shows you’re verbally processing ideas.

    • “I’m thinking, maybe we should go to the beach.”
    • "I'm thinking this might be a bad idea." (Expressing doubt)

  • Thinking over something: This implies you're carefully considering something, often for a while.

    • "I need to think over your offer."
    • “He’s been thinking over the situation all day.”

  • Thinking through something: Similar to 'thinking over,' but often about a complicated problem or process.

    • "Let's think through the steps of the plan."

2. As a Gerund (Noun Form – What you are)

When "thinking" is used after a helping verb like "be," "have been," "get," or "seem," it functions as a noun.

  • “Thinking” as a state of mind:

    • "I enjoy thinking." (I enjoy the activity of thinking.)
    • "She's a deep thinker." (She is someone who often thinks deeply.)
    • "He is constantly thinking about his research.”

  • “Thinking” after “be” verbs:

    • "I am thinking about buying a new car." (I am in the process of considering it.)
    • "They were thinking about moving to a new city." (They were considering it.)
    • “He is thinking about joining the club.”

  • “Thinking” after “have been”:

    • "I have been thinking about you lately." (I’ve been considering you.)

  • “Thinking” after “get”:

    • "I get the impression that he's thinking about quitting.” (I’m sensing he's considering it.)

  • “Thinking” after “seem”:

    • "He seems to be thinking about his options."

3. As Part of Phrases

  • “Think about”: To consider something. “Think about your goals.”
  • “Think of”: To imagine or consider something. "Think of a solution!"
  • “Think twice”: To consider carefully before acting. “Think twice before you speak.”
  • “Thinking of you”: Expressing that you're remembering or thinking about someone.
  • “Thinking outside the box”: Thinking creatively and unconventionally.

4. Contractions

  • “I’m thinking” (I am thinking)
  • “He’s thinking” (He is thinking)
  • “They’re thinking” (They are thinking)

Tips for Using “Thinking” Effectively

  • Context is key: The meaning of "thinking" changes depending on how it's used in the sentence.
  • Show, don't just tell: Instead of just saying "I'm thinking," try to show what you're thinking about (e.g., "I'm thinking about how to solve this problem").
  • Variety: Use synonyms like "considering," "pondering," "contemplating," or "evaluating" to avoid repetition.

To help me give you more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you trying to do with the word "thinking"? (e.g., write a story, have a conversation, answer a question?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re struggling with?

Synonyms for the word thinking

Idioms of the word thinking

to my way of thinking
in my opinion

    Practice with vocabulary thinking

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The committee is currently engaged in deep ______ about the strategic implications of the merger.
    2. My primary mode of ______ involves analytical breakdown of complex problems.
    3. She shared an interesting ______ regarding the project's timeline during the meeting.
    4. Before making a final decision, the CEO spent several hours ______ all available options.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. Her creative ______ led to a groundbreaking solution for the project. A) thinking B) speculation C) assumption D) remembrance

    2. Before the presentation, it's crucial to engage in some critical ______ about the potential audience reactions. A) analysis B) thinking C) pondering D) guessing

    3. The management team is actively ______ about the long-term sustainability plan. A) contemplating B) speculating C) thinking D) supposing

    4. The politician's ______ on the economic crisis was widely debated during the town hall meeting. A) perspective B) notion C) deliberation D) reflection

    5. We need to put more ______ into how we communicate this policy change to the employees. A) belief B) thought C) consideration D) opinion

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. It's my opinion that the current strategy is flawed and needs revision.

      • Rewrite:

    2. We need to analyze this complex issue from various perspectives to reach a fair conclusion.

      • Rewrite:

    3. Her process of considering possibilities carefully before acting is exceptionally thorough.

      • Rewrite:

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The committee is currently engaged in deep thinking about the strategic implications of the merger.
    2. My primary mode of thinking involves analytical breakdown of complex problems.
    3. She shared an interesting thought regarding the project's timeline during the meeting.
    4. Before making a final decision, the CEO spent several hours deliberating all available options.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. A) thinking
    2. A) analysis, B) thinking, C) pondering
    3. A) contemplating, C) thinking
    4. A) perspective, B) notion
    5. B) thought, C) consideration

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. My thinking is that the current strategy is flawed and needs revision.
    2. We need to apply critical thinking to this complex issue from various perspectives to reach a fair conclusion.
    3. Her deliberation before acting is exceptionally thorough.

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