If you were thinking of how to vs If you were thinking how to

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "If you were thinking of how to" is used when you want to express that someone is considering a method or approach to do something. On the other hand, "if you were thinking how to" is used when you want to convey that someone is contemplating the process or manner of doing something.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 872 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express consideration of a method or approach to do something.

"If you were thinking of how to"

This phrase is used when you want to convey that someone is considering a method or approach to do something. It is often followed by a specific action or task.

Examples:

If you were thinking of how to bake a cake, I can show you a simple recipe.
If you were thinking of how to solve the problem, I have a few suggestions.
If you were thinking of how to improve your writing, you could take a course.
If you were thinking of how to start a business, I can help you with a business plan.
If you were thinking of how to learn a new language, there are many resources available.

Show examples from the web [+]

If you were thinking of shooting, then reconsider.
If you were thinking of posting something about it, I'd hold off.
So if you were thinking of buying an iPad, forget about it. This is what you want instead.
If you were thinking of me, you wouldn't have gotten me red roses.
It's even beneath the floor - if you were thinking of digging.
If you were thinking of posting something about it, I'd hold off.
It's just, if you were thinking about me or whatever, then I'm sorry.
- If you were thinking the same thing...
Maybe if you were thinking less about texting with my ex-boyfriend, you wouldn't have lost your earring in the first place.
If you were thinking, you wouldn't have Seattle as the capital of Washington.
So if you were thinking about outrunning them on a horse, I would try a cheetah.
By the way, if you were thinking about going in your office, I just, a little warning.
If you were thinking like a cop, Nick, you would say that we should pursue this.
If you were thinking clearly, Virginia, you'd recall it was London that brought you low.
If you were thinking clearly, you probably would have asked me by now why I came down to Washington to talk to you.
If you were thinking about getting back into gang activity, who would you talk to?
And you wouldn't be either, if you were thinking clear!
You were thinking, if I get caught, I can talk my way out of this.
What is the statistical likelihood you'd buy a new razor, it'd make your chin itchy, and the exact moment that I asked you if you were thinking what I was thinking, the itch kicked in? Whoo.
If, by chance, you were thinking of choosing me as one of the two...

Alternatives:

if you were considering how to
if you were pondering how to
if you were contemplating how to
if you were wondering how to
if you were planning how to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express contemplation of the process or manner of doing something.

"If you were thinking how to"

This phrase is used when you want to convey that someone is contemplating the process or manner of doing something. It is often followed by a specific action or task.

Examples:

If you were thinking how to approach the situation, I suggest being direct.
If you were thinking how to organize the event, I can help with the logistics.
If you were thinking how to fix the issue, you might need some tools.
If you were thinking how to decorate the room, consider using bright colors.
If you were thinking how to cook a new dish, follow the recipe step by step.

Show examples from the web [+]

It's just, if you were thinking about me or whatever, then I'm sorry.
- If you were thinking the same thing...
If you were thinking of shooting, then reconsider.
Maybe if you were thinking less about texting with my ex-boyfriend, you wouldn't have lost your earring in the first place.
If you were thinking of posting something about it, I'd hold off.
So if you were thinking of buying an iPad, forget about it. This is what you want instead.
If you were thinking, you wouldn't have Seattle as the capital of Washington.
If you were thinking of me, you wouldn't have gotten me red roses.
It's even beneath the floor - if you were thinking of digging.
So if you were thinking about outrunning them on a horse, I would try a cheetah.
By the way, if you were thinking about going in your office, I just, a little warning.
If you were thinking like a cop, Nick, you would say that we should pursue this.
If you were thinking of posting something about it, I'd hold off.
If you were thinking clearly, Virginia, you'd recall it was London that brought you low.
If you were thinking clearly, you probably would have asked me by now why I came down to Washington to talk to you.
If you were thinking about getting back into gang activity, who would you talk to?
And you wouldn't be either, if you were thinking clear!
You were thinking, if I get caught, I can talk my way out of this.
What is the statistical likelihood you'd buy a new razor, it'd make your chin itchy, and the exact moment that I asked you if you were thinking what I was thinking, the itch kicked in? Whoo.
So, Scooby, we were thinking if you're going to be hanging out with our Robin, you should be properly vetted.

Alternatives:

if you were considering how to
if you were pondering how to
if you were contemplating how to
if you were wondering how to
if you were planning how to

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If you were thinking of how to vs If you were thinking how to