a pattern of thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pattern of thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a consistent way of thinking or a particular mindset that influences behavior or decision-making. Example: "Her approach to problem-solving reflects a pattern of thought that prioritizes creativity and innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"If you see the cabinet reshuffle in that light, it all hangs together as a pattern of thought.

The New York Times

I mean, I think we all can experience that in some ways about a pattern of thought that feels very sticky.

University of California, Berkeley

We encounter the mind-set of a freewheeling, democratic superpower, a pattern of thought that shows great excitement over celebrities and moments hailed as irreversibly world-changing.

The New York Times

We all run the risk of falling into a pattern of thought that can be unproductive.

Forbes

A promising avenue is to note a pattern of thought present in Reid's work.

SEP

The apparent turn is part and parcel of a "pattern of thought" called the enclosure movement, which has been shaping colonial and postcolonial relations between humans, ecosystems, and economies for four hundred years.

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Reversing a pattern of unhealthy thoughts and habits that have accumulated over a lifetime requires time and patience.

Huffington Post

"The individual who suffers from OCD becomes trapped in a pattern of repetitive thoughts and behaviors that are senseless and distressing but extremely difficult to overcome...

Los Angeles Times

Beyond simple self-regard, the narcissistic disorder refers to a destructive pattern of thought and behavior whose traits include an unrealistic sense of one's importance and power, an excessive need for admiration and a lack of empathy for the feelings or needs of others.

The New York Times

Fortunately, everyone in the tower keeps a regular pattern of thought, so you have to know those patterns in addition to your own.

The New Yorker

Coffman defines talent as a recurrent pattern of thought, feeling, or behavior and accounts for the different results produced by those with the same skills and training.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pattern of thought" to describe recurring or habitual ways of thinking that influence behavior or understanding. For instance, you might say someone's "a pattern of thought" leans toward optimism or skepticism.

Common error

While "a pattern of thought" is a valid phrase, avoid using it when simpler terms like "thinking" or "thought process" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pattern of thought" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly describes a recurring or consistent manner of thinking. Examples illustrate its role in explaining behaviors and decision-making.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

29%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pattern of thought" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a recurring way of thinking. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it's employed across various contexts, primarily in news, academia, and scientific writing. While not exceedingly common, it offers a precise way to articulate established mental processes. Remember to use it judiciously, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate, and consider context to achieve the best impact. Understanding ""a pattern of thought"" will elevate the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a habitual way of thinking

Stresses the repetitive and ingrained nature of the thought process.

a line of reasoning

Focuses on the logical progression of thinking.

a mindset

Refers to an established set of attitudes or beliefs.

a cognitive framework

Emphasizes the structured system of thinking.

a mental schema

Highlights the organized structure of knowledge and thought.

a train of thought

Indicates a sequence of interconnected ideas.

an intellectual framework

Highlights the structured and reasoned nature of thought.

a belief system

Implies a set of deeply held convictions influencing thought.

a mental process

Broader term referring to any cognitive activity.

a cognitive bias

Refers to a systematic error in thinking.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pattern of thought" to describe a recurring or habitual way someone thinks. For example, "His decisions reflect "a pattern of thought" that prioritizes logic over emotion."

What's the difference between "a pattern of thought" and "a way of thinking"?

"A way of thinking" is a more general term, while ""a pattern of thought"" suggests a recurring or established mental process.

What can I say instead of "a pattern of thought"?

Alternatives include "a line of reasoning", "a cognitive framework", or "a habitual way of thinking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a pattern of thought" formal or informal?

"A pattern of thought" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it tends to appear more frequently in analytical or descriptive writing.