a development of thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a development of thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the evolution or progression of ideas or concepts over time. Example: "The article presents a development of thought that challenges traditional views on the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

While the author concedes that the volume contains repetitions because of its organization, on the whole this collection registers a "development of thought" whose origins go back to Honord's work with Herbert Hart in the 1950s.

Columbia University

Models to explain retention of duplicated genes in eukaryotic genomes have undergone a development of thought since Ohno proposed his model almost 40 years ago.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I've been wanting to read it for years, because it's supposed to be a beautiful book that brings history alive -- the history of a certain kind of development of thought through Europe and America.

The New York Times - Books

This model was readily taken up by many British researchers because it represented exactly what was required in that historical moment – an account of the development of thought in infants which concerned their ability to relate to others, yet which did not speculate at all on the thought processes, hallucinatory or otherwise, that may have structured those relationships.

History of the Human Sciences

A consistency of terminology is mandatory for development of thought and investigation in this area.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

He was also influenced by the general trend that the development of thought took toward Romanticism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During this period he completed Genetic Logic, 3 vol. (1906 11), which examined the nature and development of thought and meaning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

First, we describe the development of thought about diversity through the 20th century and through more modern studies including genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and next-generation sequencing.

Duke University

Feyerabend characterized this wider notion of incommensurability as a historical, anthropological thesis (1975, 271), but also applied it to different stages of the development of thought and perception in the individual (1975, 274).

SEP

These narrative expository works can be considered lessons in the history of science, because they document the development of thought and paradigms with respect to genes, illness, and microbes, respectively.

CBE Life Sciences Education

The development of thoughts should go hand in hand with the development of feelings and heart.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a development of thought", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific line of thinking is evolving or progressing. Be specific about the subject and direction of the development.

Common error

Avoid using "a development of thought" in vague or overly broad contexts. Instead, specify which particular area of thought is being discussed. For example, instead of saying "There has been a development of thought", specify "There has been a development of thought in quantum physics".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a development of thought" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the progression, evolution, or advancement of a particular idea, concept, or way of thinking, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

News & Media

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a development of thought" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the evolution or progression of ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While relatively rare, it is most commonly found in academic, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, signaling a formal register. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to specify the particular area of thought being discussed to avoid overgeneralization. Alternative phrases like "evolution of thinking" or "progression of ideas" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evolution of thinking

Emphasizes a gradual unfolding and refinement of ideas over time.

progression of ideas

Highlights the sequential advancement and building upon previous concepts.

advancement of understanding

Focuses on gaining a deeper or more comprehensive grasp of a subject.

intellectual growth

Stresses the expansion and maturity of cognitive abilities.

conceptual evolution

Highlights the changes and adaptation of concepts.

cognitive development

Refers specifically to the growth and refinement of cognitive processes.

refinement of thought

Implies a process of improving and clarifying one's thinking.

maturation of ideas

Suggests a process where ideas become more fully formed and sophisticated.

emergence of new perspectives

Focuses on the arrival and recognition of innovative viewpoints.

unfolding of insights

Emphasizes the gradual revealing of deeper understandings.

FAQs

How can I use "a development of thought" in a sentence?

You can use "a development of thought" to describe the evolution or progression of ideas or concepts. For example: "The article presents "a development of thought" that challenges traditional views on the subject."

What are some alternatives to "a development of thought"?

Alternatives include "evolution of thinking", "progression of ideas", or "advancement of understanding", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "development of thought" or "evolution of thought"?

Both "development of thought" and "evolution of thought" are acceptable, but "evolution" often implies a more gradual and organic process of change, while "development" can suggest a more directed or structured progression.

In what contexts is "a development of thought" most appropriate?

"A development of thought" is suitable in academic, scientific, or philosophical discussions where you're tracing how an idea or concept has changed over time. It is often found in historical analyses or literature reviews.