Cool MateThat's what I was thinking vs You're right
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That's what I was thinking
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
You're right
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: You're right
| That's what I was thinking | You're right | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæts wɒt aɪ wəz ˈθɪŋkɪŋ//🇺🇸 //ðæts wɑt aɪ wəz ˈθɪŋkɪŋ// | 🇬🇧 //jʊəˈraɪt//🇺🇸 //jʊrˈraɪt// |
| Meaning | This means you had the same idea as someone else. | You are correct. |
| Example | When she suggested pizza for dinner, I said, 'That's what I was thinking.' | When she pointed out the error, I realized she was right. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | That's what I thought, That's what we need, That's what I meant | You're right about that, You know you're right, If you're right, You're definitely right, I'm glad you're right |
| Common mistakes | Using in overly formal situations., Confusing with similar phrases like 'I agree'. | Using 'your' instead of 'you're'., Saying 'you are right' too often instead of using the phrase., Not using it when someone needs agreement. |
| Usage notes | Used in casual conversation to agree with someone's thought or opinion. Avoid in very formal settings. | Commonly used to agree with someone. Suitable in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid in argumentative situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: That's what I was thinking vs You're right
What's the difference between That's what I was thinking and You're right?
That's what I was thinking: This means you had the same idea as someone else. You're right: You are correct.
Which is more formal: That's what I was thinking and You're right?
You're right is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
That's what I was thinking: When she suggested pizza for dinner, I said, 'That's what I was thinking.' You're right: When she pointed out the error, I realized she was right.
Can I use That's what I was thinking and You're right interchangeably?
Not always. That's what I was thinking and You're right are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.