💌 20+ Other Ways to Say “Thinking of You” (With Examples)

Last updated on December 2nd, 2025 at 04:41 pm

Have you ever wanted to tell someone you’re thinking of them—but felt that saying “thinking of you” sounded too simple or repetitive?

This phrase is warm, caring, and genuine, yet sometimes you want something that fits a specific mood—formal, romantic, or friendly.

Learning other ways to say “thinking of you” helps you sound more natural and express emotion more clearly. It also improves your fluency, showing you can adjust your tone for different people and situations.

Let’s explore what this phrase really means, when to use it, and 20+ natural alternatives—with examples and tips for when to use (and not use) each one.

🧠 What Does “Thinking of You” Mean?

The phrase “thinking of you” means that someone is on your mind.
It shows you care, miss, or remember that person. Grammatically, it’s a present continuous phrase (using -ing to show it’s happening right now).

Example:

I’ve been thinking of you lately and hoping you’re doing well.

It can express affection, friendship, sympathy, or kindness—depending on context.

📅 When to Use “Thinking of You”

You can use “thinking of you” in many situations:

Formal: Writing to a colleague who’s going through a tough time. “We’re all thinking of you during this challenging period.”
Informal: Texting a friend or partner. “Just wanted to say I’m thinking of you today!”
Written: Cards, letters, or messages. “Thinking of you and sending warm wishes.”
Spoken: Short and sweet when talking to someone. “Hey, I was thinking of you yesterday!”

It’s polite, warm, and works across cultures.

💼 Is It Professional or Polite to Say “Thinking of You”?

Yes—but use it carefully.
In professional or business contexts, “thinking of you” is appropriate if it’s empathetic, not personal.

✅ Professional examples:

“Our team is thinking of you and wishing you a quick recovery.”
“We’re thinking of you during this transition.”

🚫 Avoid it when:

Writing to a superior or client in a romantic tone.
Using it in casual office chats unless the context is suitable.

Politeness tip:
If you’re unsure, choose a formal alternative like “keeping you in my thoughts” or “sending my best wishes.”

⚖️ Pros and Cons of Using “Thinking of You”

Pros:

Warm and empathetic
Easy to understand
Suitable for many situations

Cons:

Can sound repetitive or generic
Might seem too personal in business contexts
Doesn’t always fit formal writing tone

🌷 20+ Other Ways to Say “Thinking of You” (With Examples)

Below are 21 natural alternatives with meanings, examples, and best/worst uses.

1. You’ve been on my mind

Meaning: I’ve been remembering or considering you lately.
Explanation: Casual and emotional; expresses genuine care.
Example: “You’ve been on my mind all week—hope you’re okay.”
Best Use: Friendly or romantic messages.
Worst Use: Business communication.
Tone: Warm and personal.

2. Keeping you in my thoughts

Meaning: I’m mentally supporting you.
Explanation: Often used to express sympathy or comfort.
Example: “We’re keeping you in our thoughts during this time.”
Best Use: Professional or formal sympathy notes.
Worst Use: Romantic texts.
Tone: Formal and respectful.

3. You’re in my heart

Meaning: You’re emotionally important to me.
Explanation: Expresses deep affection or love.
Example: “Even when we’re apart, you’re in my heart.”
Best Use: Romantic or family contexts.
Worst Use: Workplace settings.
Tone: Emotional and affectionate.

4. You’ve crossed my mind

Meaning: I thought of you recently.
Explanation: Slightly casual; used when the thought was brief.
Example: “You crossed my mind today while I was driving.”
Best Use: Friendly or neutral chats.
Worst Use: Condolence messages.
Tone: Light and friendly.

5. You’re in my prayers

Meaning: I’m praying for you.
Explanation: Religious or spiritual tone; often used to comfort.
Example: “You’re in my prayers for a speedy recovery.”
Best Use: Condolence or sympathy cards.
Worst Use: Secular or corporate messages (unless appropriate).
Tone: Compassionate and spiritual.

6. Sending positive thoughts your way

Meaning: Wishing good things for you.
Explanation: Non-religious, positive version of “you’re in my prayers.”
Example: “Sending positive thoughts your way—hope things improve soon.”
Best Use: General encouragement.
Worst Use: Romantic situations.
Tone: Encouraging and kind.

7. Wishing you well

Meaning: Hoping you’re doing fine or will recover soon.
Explanation: Works in almost any context.
Example: “Wishing you well as you start your new job.”
Best Use: Business emails, cards, formal writing.
Worst Use: Intimate romantic notes.
Tone: Neutral and polite.

8. I’m here for you

Meaning: You can rely on me.
Explanation: Shows emotional support and presence.
Example: “Whatever happens, I’m here for you.”
Best Use: Friends, family, colleagues in need.
Worst Use: Distant professional contacts.
Tone: Supportive and sincere.

9. You’ve been in my thoughts

Meaning: I’ve been thinking about you recently.
Explanation: More polished version of “thinking of you.”
Example: “You’ve been in my thoughts since our last talk.”
Best Use: Business and personal notes.
Worst Use: Overly casual texts.
Tone: Warm and thoughtful.

10. Remembering you fondly

Meaning: Thinking of past memories with affection.
Explanation: Often used in sympathy or remembrance.
Example: “We’re remembering you fondly and cherishing old times.”
Best Use: Condolences, memorials.
Worst Use: Everyday texting.
Tone: Respectful and reflective.

11. You mean a lot to me

Meaning: You’re important to me.
Explanation: Shows strong emotional connection.
Example: “You mean a lot to me, and I care about how you’re doing.”
Best Use: Romantic or deep friendship.
Worst Use: Business or formal notes.
Tone: Heartfelt and intimate.

12. Can’t stop thinking about you

Meaning: You’re constantly on my mind.
Explanation: Expresses romantic longing or strong attachment.
Example: “I can’t stop thinking about you since our last date.”
Best Use: Romantic contexts only.
Worst Use: Work or condolences.
Tone: Emotional and passionate.

13. You’ve been in my thoughts lately

Meaning: I’ve been reflecting on you recently.
Explanation: Balanced and polite; works in many contexts.
Example: “You’ve been in my thoughts lately—how’s everything going?”
Best Use: Friendly, polite emails.
Worst Use: Romantic letters.
Tone: Gentle and caring.

14. Holding you close in my thoughts

Meaning: Emotionally keeping someone in your heart.
Explanation: Deep sympathy or affection tone.
Example: “We’re holding you close in our thoughts during this hard time.”
Best Use: Condolence or support messages.
Worst Use: Light conversation.
Tone: Warm and comforting.

15. I’ve been thinking about you a lot

Meaning: You’re often on my mind.
Explanation: Slightly casual; shows genuine care.
Example: “I’ve been thinking about you a lot since you moved away.”
Best Use: Friends, family, informal notes.
Worst Use: Corporate contexts.
Tone: Friendly and sincere.

16. Hope you’re doing okay

Meaning: A gentle way to check in.
Explanation: Softens concern without sounding dramatic.
Example: “Just wanted to say I hope you’re doing okay.”
Best Use: Texts, casual check-ins.
Worst Use: Condolence letters.
Tone: Friendly and caring.

17. My thoughts are with you

Meaning: I’m mentally supporting you.
Explanation: Common in formal sympathy messages.
Example: “My thoughts are with you and your family.”
Best Use: Professional condolences.
Worst Use: Romantic or casual notes.
Tone: Formal and respectful.

18. Missing you

Meaning: I wish you were here.
Explanation: Short and emotional.
Example: “Missing you more than ever today.”
Best Use: Romantic or family notes.
Worst Use: Business contexts.
Tone: Affectionate and nostalgic.

19. Hope you’re on my wavelength

Meaning: I’m thinking about you and hope we’re still connected.
Explanation: Creative and casual expression for closeness.
Example: “Haven’t seen you in ages—hope we’re still on the same wavelength!”
Best Use: Close friends, casual chats.
Worst Use: Formal letters.
Tone: Playful and light.

20. Sending love your way

Meaning: I’m sending you affection or care.
Explanation: Emotional yet gentle phrase.
Example: “Sending love your way during these tough days.”
Best Use: Family, romantic, or support messages.
Worst Use: Professional communication.
Tone: Warm and loving.

21. Thinking warm thoughts of you

Meaning: I’m remembering you kindly.
Explanation: A friendly, slightly old-fashioned way to express care.
Example: “Thinking warm thoughts of you this winter season.”
Best Use: Holiday cards, friendly letters.
Worst Use: Corporate emails.
Tone: Gentle and polite.

🧾 Comparison Table: Top Alternatives to “Thinking of You”

Phrase	Tone	Best Use	Formality	Emotion Level
Keeping you in my thoughts	Formal	Sympathy, professional	High	Medium
You’ve been on my mind	Friendly	Casual check-ins	Low	High
My thoughts are with you	Respectful	Condolences	High	Medium
Wishing you well	Neutral	Emails, cards	High	Low
Sending positive thoughts	Encouraging	Support messages	Medium	Medium
You’re in my heart	Romantic	Love, family	Low	Very High
I’m here for you	Supportive	Friends, family	Medium	High

❓ FAQs About “Thinking of You” Alternatives

1. Can I say “thinking of you” to a coworker?

Yes, if it’s professional and empathetic—like during illness or loss. Avoid romantic tones.

2. What’s the most formal way to say it?

“Keeping you in my thoughts” or “My thoughts are with you.”

3. What’s the most romantic way to say it?

“You’re in my heart” or “Can’t stop thinking about you.”

4. What’s a casual way to say it to a friend?

Try “You’ve been on my mind” or “Hope you’re doing okay.”

5. Can I use these phrases in emails?

Yes. For professional emails, choose formal options like “Wishing you well” or “My thoughts are with you.”

🌟 Conclusion

Using different ways to say “thinking of you” makes your communication sound richer and more natural.

Each phrase carries a slightly different tone—from formal to affectionate—and choosing the right one helps you connect better with people.

So next time you want to show care, sympathy, or love, experiment with these expressions and make your message truly personal.

David Jonson

David Jonson is an experienced English language writer who specializes in clear, practical, and learner-friendly content. He helps students and professionals improve their communication skills with confidence.