a profound thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a profound thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an idea or reflection that is deep, significant, or insightful. Example: "After much contemplation, she finally arrived at a profound thought that changed her perspective on life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Stan has had a profound thought and Ollie asks what it is.

The New York Times

This is quintessential Tippett as I remember him, articulating a profound thought but then, as though intellectually dyslexic, digging himself into an ever deeper and more impenetrable grave as he allowed his tongue and mind to wander over disparate ideas.

The Guardian - Music

"A couple of years ago I quoted my mother on a post, something like: 'People caring for people.' And my fans ran with it like it was a profound thought.

The Guardian - Film

Or they'd take a shot of their iPhone "Note" app with a profound thought.

Forbes

"He said, ‘This thing that costs us $120 today will sell for $10 in three years.' At the time it was such a profound thought".

Forbes

"He said, ‘This thing that costs us $120 today will sell for $10 in three years.' At the time it was such a profound thought". Linquist eventually left to work for McKinsey, the consulting firm.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

And then, with quick and characteristic rigour, she adds: "It's not a very profound thought; it's actually more a feeling than a thought".

The Guardian - Books

That's a pretty profound thought, right?

The New Yorker

I know that's not a particularly profound thought, but in my case -- what with my funk radio show (moving to alternate Tuesdays starting June 21!) -- it runs a little deeper.

Huffington Post

He gives the impression in his writing of limitless bravery, as well as a capacity for profound thought that has helped him in his latter-day career as a professor of psychiatry in Los Angeles, an author of many books and a respected medical consultant.

The New York Times - Books

It is a work of profound thought, imagination, passion and ambition.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a profound thought" to emphasize the depth and significance of an idea, especially when it leads to new understanding or a shift in perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "a profound thought" when a simpler term like "idea" or "thought" would suffice. Reserve it for truly significant and insightful ideas to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a profound thought" functions as a noun phrase, where "profound" modifies the noun "thought". Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable. The examples show it describing significant ideas.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a profound thought" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon phrase used to describe ideas of significant depth and insight. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most often found in news and media contexts, where it serves to emphasize the importance of certain ideas. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where the "thought" truly warrants such a descriptor, as overuse can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives like "a deep reflection" or "a significant idea" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deep reflection

Focuses more on the act of reflecting deeply rather than the thought itself.

a deep insight

Highlights the depth of understanding gained from the thought.

a significant idea

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the idea.

a pivotal idea

Highlights the importance of a turning point.

a weighty consideration

Highlights the seriousness and importance of the thought.

a groundbreaking thought

Similar to a revolutionary concept, but emphasizes the originality and innovation.

an insightful notion

Focuses on the clarity and understanding that the thought provides.

a penetrating observation

Emphasizes the thought's ability to see through superficialities.

a revolutionary concept

Suggests the thought is groundbreaking and changes existing views.

a philosophical consideration

Indicates the thought is related to fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, or values.

FAQs

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

You can use "a profound thought" to describe an idea that is deep, meaningful, and insightful. For instance, "After years of research, she had "a profound thought" about the nature of consciousness."

What are some alternatives to "a profound thought"?

Some alternatives include "a deep insight", "a significant idea", or "a weighty consideration". These phrases can be used depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a profound thought" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a profound thought" may sound somewhat formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, simpler terms like "a deep idea" or "an interesting thought" might be more appropriate.

What distinguishes "a profound thought" from a regular thought?

"A profound thought" implies a level of depth, insight, and significance that goes beyond ordinary thinking. It suggests an idea that has the potential to change one's understanding or perspective in a meaningful way.