a line of thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a line of thought" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to describe a particular idea or way of thinking. Example sentence: The author's essay presented a clear and logical line of thought, guiding the reader through each point effortlessly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Art-making is a line of thought.

The New York Times

There is a line of thought that says this gap is too wide to be bridged.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a line of thought that many cultural rebels come around to, sooner or later.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was a line of thought that gained traction when Manning missed the 2011 season after undergoing neck surgery.

The New York Times - Sports

The questions have focussed on minutiae, and the format doesn't allow Mitchell to finish a line of thought.

The New Yorker

Today there is a line of thought that my wife, Jo Kandola, and I call the 'valuing differences' approach.

The Guardian

But he never sustains a line of thought long enough or searchingly enough to reach a truly provocative insight.

The New York Times - Books

So it should be possible to at least start a line of thought that incorporates both the physicist's and the philosopher's sensibilities.

The New York Times

The flow of ideas forms a line of thought, which becomes an exploration of the different possible relations between the subjects in the photographs.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Meister sometimes interchanges terminology in such a way that a straight line of thought becomes hard to trace.

eLife

(Donald Davidson developed a similar line of thought in a less behavioristic idiom, speaking in terms of constraints on a "Radical Interpreter," who seeks "charitable" construals of alien speech).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a line of thought" to clearly indicate a specific, coherent way of reasoning or understanding. It's particularly effective when discussing complex ideas or arguments.

Common error

While similar, “train of thought” refers to a sequential progression of ideas, whereas "a line of thought" describes a specific, consistent way of thinking about something. Ensure your choice reflects the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a line of thought" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it representing a specific viewpoint or reasoning process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

18%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a line of thought" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that signifies a specific way of reasoning or a particular perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While similar to "train of thought", it’s important to remember that "a line of thought" emphasizes a deliberate and focused approach to thinking, making it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication. When writing, ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning, and consider alternatives like ""a course of reasoning"" or ""a chain of ideas"" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a train of thought

Implies a sequence of connected ideas, differing by emphasizing the sequential nature of thinking.

a course of reasoning

Focuses on the logical progression of thought, differing by highlighting the process of deduction.

a chain of ideas

Emphasizes the interconnectedness of thoughts, differing by using a more visual metaphor.

a stream of consciousness

Describes a continuous flow of thoughts and feelings, differing by including emotions and sensations.

a mode of thinking

Refers to a particular way or style of thinking, differing by focusing on the method.

a form of reasoning

Highlights the structure and method of thinking, differing by emphasizing logical form.

an avenue of thought

Suggests a direction or path in thinking, differing by using a spatial metaphor.

a strand of thought

Implies a single, continuous element within a larger context of thinking, differing by focusing on a specific part.

a thought process

Refers to the mental operations involved in thinking, differing by emphasizing the process aspect.

a conceptual framework

Focuses on the structured organization of ideas, differing by highlighting the organized system of thinking.

FAQs

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

Use "a line of thought" to introduce a particular perspective, argument, or reasoning process. For example: "The politician presented "a line of thought" that prioritized economic growth over environmental concerns."

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

You can use alternatives like "a train of thought", "a course of reasoning", or "a chain of ideas", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a line of thought" and "a train of thought"?

"A line of thought" refers to a specific way of thinking or reasoning, while ""a train of thought"" typically refers to the sequential progression of ideas in one's mind. The former is more focused and deliberate; the latter more fluid and spontaneous.

Is "a line of thought" formal or informal?

"A line of thought" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the communication.