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Learn the conversational expression “now that I think about it” for revising an opinion after new information.
Vanessa introduces “now that I think about it,” an expression people use when they reconsider an idea and arrive at a revised view. She begins with the weather: she thinks fall is cold where she lives, but after talking with a friend from Minnesota, she decides it is not so cold after all. Her story shows that new information can change how someone evaluates a situation.
The phrase commonly appears before a realization or revised opinion: “Now that I think about it, it’s not so cold here after all.” It does not always mean the speaker completely reverses their position; sometimes they simply qualify or refine an earlier thought. Nearby expressions include “change my mind,” “after all,” and “at least,” each of which adds a slightly different shade of meaning.
Vanessa gives another example about learning English. Someone initially says English is difficult, but then hears about the many online resources available today. They reconsider and say that learning is easier nowadays. The new information does not make English effortless; it changes the learner’s comparison with what was available in the past and produces a more balanced view.
The lesson then asks viewers to describe a time they changed their mind. Vanessa notes that phrases like this may not fit neatly into a single textbook grammar category, yet native speakers use them in everyday conversation. Learners may hear them in television and movies, so recognizing them helps with natural listening as well as speaking.
To practise, think of an opinion or decision you revised after receiving new information. Introduce the new view with “Now that I think about it…” and explain what changed. The phrase is useful in casual conversation, when reflecting aloud, and when gently correcting or updating something you said earlier. It can also soften the transition into a new conclusion, provided the conclusion really follows from reconsideration.
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Select an expression for its meaning · 0:16
Vanessa describes revising her view of the weather after hearing about Minnesota
It is fall in the US, and Vanessa thinks the weather is getting cold. After talking with her friend Casey, who in Minnesota, she changes her mind about how cold it is where she lives. This story sets up the expression she will teach.
Try it: Describe a time when new information changed your opinion.
Phrase cheat sheet
Review each expression, hear it, save it, or jump to where it appears in the video.
Showing 14 of 14 phrases
Vanessa describes revising her view of the weather after hearing about Minnesota · expression
Lived somewhere in the past, but no longer does.
Tone and use: Neutral and common. Use used to + base verb for a past state or habit that has changed.
May not fit: Do not use it for a situation that is still true now.
Example“My cousin used to live in Denver.”
Vanessa describes revising her view of the weather after hearing about Minnesota · expression
Somewhat cold; the speaker is softening the description.
Tone and use: Informal and conversational. Use kind of before an adjective in casual speech.
May not fit: In formal writing, use “somewhat” or give a precise description.
Example“It’s kind of cold outside, so bring a jacket.”
Vanessa describes revising her view of the weather after hearing about Minnesota · expression
Revised an opinion, belief, or decision.
Tone and use: Common and conversational. Use it when new information or reflection leads you to a different view.
May not fit: It describes reconsidering your own view, not changing someone else’s mind.
Example“I changed my mind after I heard the full story.”
She explains the expression “now that I think about it” through her weather example · expression
A phrase used when reconsidering something and arriving at a new or more careful view.
Tone and use: Reflective and conversational. Use it before stating a revised opinion or realization.
May not fit: It suggests reconsideration; it is not simply a filler before any unrelated statement.
Example“Now that I think about it, we should leave a little earlier.”
She explains the expression “now that I think about it” through her weather example · expression
Used to show that something is true despite an earlier expectation or reconsideration.
Tone and use: Conversational; meaning depends on context. Use it to emphasize a result that differs from what was expected.
May not fit: It can also mean “in the end”; check which sense the context supports.
Example“The bus was delayed, but it arrived after all.”
She explains the expression “now that I think about it” through her weather example · expression
Revised your opinion after considering new information.
Tone and use: Common and conversational. Use change one’s mind to describe a shift in a belief or decision.
May not fit: Keep the possessive pronoun consistent with the subject.
Example“Have you ever changed your mind after hearing a new perspective?”
A second example shows how new evidence can change an opinion about learning English · expression
Accessible or obtainable at a particular time in the past.
Tone and use: Neutral and descriptive. Use available + time phrase to compare access across periods.
May not fit: Available means accessible, not necessarily free.
Example“Online courses were not as widely available ten years ago.”
A second example shows how new evidence can change an opinion about learning English · expression
At the present time or in the current era.
Tone and use: Neutral and common. Use it when comparing current life with the past.
May not fit: It is broader than a single moment; for a specific date, name the date.
Example“Nowadays, many people study languages online.”
A second example shows how new evidence can change an opinion about learning English · expression
Revised his opinion after considering new information.
Tone and use: Common and conversational. Use change one’s mind to describe a shift in a belief or decision.
May not fit: Keep the possessive pronoun consistent with the subject.
Example“She changed her mind after trying the new route.”
Vanessa asks viewers to share their own changed opinion and explains that expressions do not fit neatly into grammar categories · expression
In the online comment area beneath a post or video.
Tone and use: Friendly online instruction. Use it to invite people to respond under online content.
May not fit: It refers to an online space, not an in-person discussion.
Example“Leave your question in the comments below.”
Vanessa asks viewers to share their own changed opinion and explains that expressions do not fit neatly into grammar categories · phrasal verb
Belong naturally within a category, pattern, or situation.
Tone and use: Neutral; figurative in this context. Use fit neatly into to describe something that belongs naturally within a group or framework.
May not fit: Here it is not about physical size; explain the figurative sense if needed.
Example“The new example does not fit neatly into that category.”
Vanessa asks viewers to share their own changed opinion and explains that expressions do not fit neatly into grammar categories · expression
Very often or regularly.
Tone and use: Common and conversational. Use it for something that happens frequently.
May not fit: It can be an exaggeration; use “often” for a more measured tone.
Example“We hear that expression all the time at work.”
She concludes the lesson and invites viewers to subscribe for new lessons · expression
Develop English skills to a very high level.
Tone and use: Aspirational and encouraging. Use master + a subject or skill.
May not fit: Master suggests very strong expertise; “improve my English” is a more modest goal.
Example“She wants to master English for her new job.”
She concludes the lesson and invites viewers to subscribe for new lessons · expression
You are welcome to do something if you want to.
Tone and use: Friendly invitation. Use feel free to + base verb to invite optional action.
May not fit: Do not phrase it as optional if the action is required.
Example“Feel free to contact the office with questions.”
Knowledge check
Use it in a sentence · “now that I think about it”