V-ようと思う: meaning and usage

How to form it

• verb (volitional form)+と思う
• verb (volitional form)+と思っている

How it is used

States what the speaker is thinking of doing, often a decision made just now; 「〜ようと思っている」 is a plan held for a while and can describe others. It sounds softer and less fixed than 「〜つもりだ」.

Examples

1. 外国に行こうと思っている。

   I'm thinking I'll go abroad.

2. 今晩は早く寝ようと思います。

   I think I'll go to bed early tonight.

3. 来年から一人で住もうと思っています。

   I'm planning to live on my own from next year.