a good thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"a good thought" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a positive or beneficial idea or notion. Example: "She couldn't shake off her worries, but then a good thought came to her - everything always works out in the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Above all, Trump supporters are "not politically correct," which, as far as I can tell, means that they have a particular aversion to that psychological moment when, having thought something, you decide that it is not a good thought, and might pointlessly hurt someone's feelings, and therefore decline to say it.

The New Yorker

"It's a good thought.

The New York Times

Now there's a good thought!

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a good thought, but it bears examination.

The Guardian - Money

That's a good thought for coping while traveling.

The New York Times - Travel

A good thought, of course, but that was dreaming.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

But it was a good, thought-provoking article nonetheless.

The New York Times - Sports

"But it's a good, thought-provoking proposal.

Science Magazine

Trying to change a really bad thought to a really good thought quickly is nearly impossible.

WikiHow

"I remember thinking, 'Ooh, that's not a very good thought to have,' " he said in a recent interview.

The New York Times

What we're doing is as much as we can currently manage, but it's a really good thought.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a good thought" to introduce a positive or beneficial idea, especially when offering a suggestion or considering a solution to a problem.

Common error

Avoid using "a good thought" as a substitute for detailed analysis or concrete evidence in academic or professional writing. While it can introduce an idea, ensure you elaborate with specific supporting information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good thought" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It typically represents an idea or suggestion that is considered positive or beneficial. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows its usage in various contexts to express positive ideas.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good thought" is a commonly used noun phrase that introduces a positive or beneficial idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in news, media, and general writing. While versatile, it is important to use more specific language in formal contexts. Alternatives such as "a bright idea" or "a valuable concept" may be more appropriate depending on the intended nuance. Overall, "a good thought" serves as a simple yet effective way to highlight constructive suggestions or positive notions across various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bright idea

Suggests a clever or innovative idea, emphasizing its ingenuity.

an inspired thought

Implies the thought is creative and original.

a positive notion

Emphasizes the optimistic or beneficial aspect of the thought.

a sensible idea

Emphasizes the rationality and reasonableness of the thought.

a smart concept

Highlights the intelligence and cleverness behind the thought.

a valuable concept

Highlights the importance or worth of the idea.

a useful suggestion

Focuses on the practicality and helpfulness of the idea.

a constructive suggestion

Focuses on the helpful and practical nature of the thought.

a promising plan

Indicates that the thought has potential for success or positive outcomes.

a worthwhile consideration

Stresses that the thought deserves careful attention and reflection.

FAQs

How can I use "a good thought" in a sentence?

You can use "a good thought" to introduce a positive idea or suggestion. For example, "It's "a good thought" to consider all options before making a decision."

What are some alternatives to "a good thought"?

Alternatives include "a bright idea", "a positive notion", or "a valuable concept", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a good thought" in formal writing?

While "a good thought" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "a worthwhile consideration" or "a constructive suggestion" may be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "a good thought" and "a well-thought-out plan"?

"A good thought" refers to an individual idea, while "a well-thought-out plan" implies a detailed and carefully developed strategy. The latter suggests more comprehensive planning and consideration.