abstract thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

"abstract thinking" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when referring to ideas or thoughts that are not concrete or tangible. For example, "The artist was inspired by his own abstract thinking to create a painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Abstract thinking.

Forbes

We hypothesized that impaired abstract thinking may interfere with the rules abstraction component of artificial grammar learning.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Pure abstract thinking is still too difficult.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Level II, conceptual ability, involved abstract thinking and problem-solving.

The New York Times - Science

He honored intellectuals but mistrusted abstract thinking and ideology.

The Washington Post

Pretending that blocks are people, they practice abstract thinking.

The New York Times

They are good at problem solving and abstract thinking.

Columbia University

This puts the brain into abstract thinking mode, and the researchers said that there is decades of work to show that abstract thinking increases creativity.

Independent

These regions are concerned with speech, and with such "higher" functions as abstract thinking and judgment.

The Economist

LARCHMONT "Abstract Thinking," David Collins, Yolanda Sanchez, Josette Urso and Katia Santibañez.

The New York Times

But about 70,000 years ago, humans in Africa began showing signs of more abstract thinking.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cognitive development, use "abstract thinking" to denote the ability to understand concepts beyond concrete experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "abstract thinking" when you actually mean a lack of clarity or precision. Ensure the idea you're describing truly involves conceptual understanding, not just ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abstract thinking" primarily functions as a noun phrase describing a cognitive ability. It refers to the capacity to understand concepts that are not tied to concrete experiences or tangible objects. Ludwig provides examples where it's associated with problem-solving, learning, and creativity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abstract thinking" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term that describes the cognitive ability to understand and manipulate abstract concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage and provides diverse examples from reputable sources like scientific journals, news outlets, and encyclopedias. Its formal tone makes it suitable for academic, scientific, and professional contexts. Related phrases include "conceptual reasoning" and "theoretical reasoning", offering alternative ways to express similar ideas. Remember to use "abstract thinking" when referring to cognitive processes beyond concrete experiences and avoid confusing it with general vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conceptual reasoning

This term emphasizes the reasoning aspect of abstract thought, focusing on forming concepts.

theoretical reasoning

This highlights the theoretical nature of the thinking, contrasting with practical application.

conceptual thought

Focuses on the thought process itself as it relates to abstract concepts rather than concrete ideas.

intellectual abstraction

This phrase stresses the intellectual nature of forming abstractions.

philosophical thinking

Philosophical thinking often involves abstract concepts and theories.

higher-order thinking

Highlights the advanced cognitive processes involved, going beyond basic recall or understanding.

analytical thinking

Analytical thinking involves breaking down complex issues, sometimes in an abstract way.

critical reasoning

Critical reasoning is more focused on evaluating information but can involve abstract thought processes.

imaginative thinking

Imaginative thinking can lead to abstract concepts and innovative ideas.

creative problem-solving

Creative problem-solving often requires abstract thinking to find innovative solutions.

FAQs

How do I use "abstract thinking" in a sentence?

You can use "abstract thinking" to describe a cognitive process, for example: "Developing strong math skills requires solid /s/abstract+thinking abilities."

What's the difference between "abstract thinking" and /s/critical+thinking?

"Abstract thinking" involves understanding theoretical concepts, while "critical thinking" focuses on analyzing and evaluating information. They are related but not interchangeable.

What are some skills associated with "abstract thinking"?

Skills associated with "abstract thinking" include /s/problem+solving, /s/logical+reasoning, and the ability to /s/understand+complex+ideas.

Is "abstract thinking" important for children's development?

Yes, "abstract thinking" is important for children's development as it allows them to grasp more /s/complex+concepts and solve problems effectively. It develops gradually during childhood and adolescence.