a school of thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a school of thought" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular type of thinking, theory, or belief that is commonly shared by a group of people. For example: "The environmental school of thought emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices for maintaining a healthy planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Declinism" has become a school of thought.

The Economist

"Some Americans talk of 'Fayyadism' as a school of thought".

The New York Times

"I'm a school of thought," he said, deadpan.

The New Yorker

Black did not found a school of thought, however.

The New Yorker

"There is a school of thought here," Ms. Feld said.

The New York Times

That's a school of thought that I don't understand, really.

The New York Times - Arts

"There is a school of thought", he adds, "that central rule has broken down".

The Economist

There's a school of thought that the private lives of politicians shouldn't matter to the public.

The Economist

"There's a school of thought in America that widely held companies have better governance," he says.

The Economist

Revisionist just war theory is a school of thought, not a body of doctrine.

The New York Times

There is a school of thought that says judging great players by championships is unfair.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a school of thought" when you want to indicate that a particular idea or belief is associated with a specific group or movement. For example, "There is a school of thought that argues for minimalist design principles."

Common error

Avoid assuming that every idea represents "a school of thought". The phrase implies a structured, recognized body of ideas, not just a personal opinion. Ensure there's evidence of a collective belief before using this term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a school of thought" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It introduces a recognized system of ideas or beliefs. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a school of thought" is a commonly used noun phrase to denote a specific perspective or system of beliefs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and versatile, suitable for various formal and informal contexts. While it is frequently found in news, media, science and formal business communications, its use should be reserved for recognized bodies of thought, rather than individual opinions. Alternatives such as ""a line of reasoning"" or ""a belief system"" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a way of thinking

Emphasizes the method or manner in which someone approaches a subject.

a line of reasoning

Focuses on the logical progression of ideas rather than a formal group or system.

conventional thinking

Emphasizes the traditional or established way of understanding something.

a body of opinion

Highlights the collective view held by a group of people.

a conceptual approach

Focuses on the specific method used to understand or solve a problem.

a theoretical framework

Refers to a structured set of principles used to analyze or understand something.

a philosophical position

Indicates a stance taken within the realm of philosophy.

a belief system

Highlights the organized set of beliefs and values that a person or group holds.

a particular ideology

Highlights a specific set of ideas and beliefs, often related to politics or economics.

prevailing wisdom

Refers to a commonly accepted belief or understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a school of thought" to introduce a particular perspective or theory. For example, "There is a school of thought that suggests early childhood experiences significantly impact adult behavior."

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

Alternatives include "a line of reasoning", "a way of thinking", or "a belief system", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a school of thought" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing academic theories, philosophical positions, or established perspectives in a field.

What distinguishes "a school of thought" from a simple opinion?

"A school of thought" implies a structured and recognized set of ideas, often associated with a particular group or movement, whereas an opinion is a personal belief or viewpoint.