a thinking game

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thinking game" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a game that requires mental effort, strategy, or problem-solving skills. Example: "Chess is often considered a thinking game because it challenges players to anticipate their opponent's moves and plan their strategies accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"It's a thinking game.

The New York Times

Killzone 2 is a thinking game in an approximation of the way that actual ground combat is a thinking game.

The New York Times - Arts

"By all accounts, it's more of a thinking game," Mr. Crecente said.

The New York Times

Also, this makes the game less of a thinking game and more instinctive.

The New York Times

"For him, it had to be stimulating; it had to be more a thinking game".

The New York Times - Sports

Due to them the game went from one of physical aptitudes to a thinking game with subtle strategies & techniques.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

As an example, we highlight a spatial thinking game that we enhanced through technology to provide a deeper embodied learning experience in reference to the embodiment taxonomy outlined earlier (Fig. 1) (Johnson-Glenberg et al., 2014).

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Have a friend train you on finding small details or play a thinking board game such as; Mastermind, Cluedo, Cluedo (Masters), etc. Read detective books.

WikiHow

"At this point, I am thinking game over," he tweeted.

The Guardian

"They are thinking story; we are thinking game play," says Brash's Longano.

Forbes

"We haven't really thought about those two games and we are just thinking game by game," said Tipuric.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a thinking game" when you want to emphasize the strategic and mental effort required to play a particular game, rather than its physical demands or luck-based elements.

Common error

Avoid using "a thinking game" to describe games that have a superficial layer of strategy but are ultimately based on chance or repetitive actions. Ensure the game genuinely requires careful planning and problem-solving.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a thinking game" is to act as a noun phrase, functioning as a subject complement or an object. It describes a particular type of game characterized by its intellectual demands. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thinking game" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for describing games that require mental effort and strategic planning. Ludwig highlights its frequent appearance in News & Media sources and neutral to informal contexts. While not exceptionally common, it effectively conveys the intellectual demands of a game. When using the phrase, consider whether alternatives like "a strategic game" or "a brain-teaser" might be more precise depending on the intended nuance. Avoid using it for games that primarily rely on luck or repetitive actions. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is usable in written English and helps categorize games based on their cognitive requirements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strategic game

Emphasizes the element of strategy more explicitly than the original phrase.

a tactical challenge

Highlights the tactical elements of the game requiring planning.

a mental workout

Focuses on the mental exertion and exercise aspect.

a cerebral game

More formal synonym focusing on the intellectual aspect.

an intellectually stimulating game

Focuses on the game's ability to provide intellectual stimulation.

a cognitively demanding game

Highlights the cognitive effort required to play the game.

a brain-teaser

Highlights the challenging and puzzling nature of the game.

a game of wits

Emphasizes intelligence and cleverness required in the game.

a mind-bending game

Focuses on the complex and challenging aspects of the game.

a puzzle game

Specifically denotes games involving puzzles that need solving.

FAQs

How can I use "a thinking game" in a sentence?

You can use "a thinking game" to describe any game that requires strategy and mental effort. For example: "Chess is often considered "a thinking game" because it challenges players to anticipate their opponent's moves."

What are some alternatives to saying "a thinking game"?

You can use alternatives like "a strategic game", "a mental workout", or "a brain-teaser" depending on the specific context.

Is "a thinking game" the same as "a mind game"?

No, while both phrases involve mental processes, "a thinking game" refers to a game that requires strategy and problem-solving, whereas "a mind game" typically refers to psychological manipulation or deception.

Which sports can be described as "a thinking game"?

Sports like chess, golf, and rugby can be described as "a thinking game" because they require strategic planning, quick decision-making, and the ability to anticipate your opponent's moves.