apply critical thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apply critical thinking" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where you encourage someone to analyze information or evaluate arguments thoughtfully. For example, "Students are encouraged to apply critical thinking when assessing the validity of sources." Alternative expressions include "utilize analytical reasoning" and "engage in reflective thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Exposure to hotel operations offers meaningful learning opportunities, challenging a student's ability to apply critical thinking and management theory to personal experience.

Cornell University

Learn how to apply critical thinking to real-world scenarios in the life sciences while exploring cutting-edge research and theory.

Harvard University

Courses such as hers that wrestle with ambiguity, that apply critical thinking to poetic passion and that demand empathy are crucial to the education of these and all young men and women.

The New York Times

The Stone is featuring occasional posts by Gary Gutting, a professor of philosophy at the University of Notre Dame, that apply critical thinking to information and events that have appeared in the news.

The New York Times

The annual event allows the MIT community, including faculty, students, staff and alumni, to apply critical thinking and hands-on learning skills to real-world problems, furthering their technical skillset.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We're not just here to have lectures, we're here to connect concerned citizens together, achieve a critical mass, apply engineering know-how, apply critical thinking, and actually MAKE SOME CHANGE.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

For these days his party dislikes the whole idea of applying critical thinking and evidence to policy questions.

The New York Times

Having Shakespeare and biology under your belt are both important, but applying critical thinking skills to any content is the most effective path to desired outcomes and an enlightened citizenship.

The New York Times

True Euroscepticism is being sceptical about the EU and the direction it has adopted; applying critical thinking, looking at the evidence and being open to either being convinced by it or not.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jonassen et al. (1998) claim that applying critical thinking while reading requires evaluating arguments and statements, deducing conclusions and hypotheses, noticing inconsistencies, and common mistakes in reasoning, and making inferences.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Ithaca College has recently introduced a new course in applying critical thinking to communications-based scenarios.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing academically, use "apply critical thinking" to emphasize the active use of analytical skills in evaluating theories or evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "apply critical thinking" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "think carefully" or "use your head" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apply critical thinking" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of using critical thinking skills. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in various contexts, affirming its role in analytical and evaluative processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

36%

News & Media

34%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apply critical thinking" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe the active engagement with analytical and evaluative skills. Ludwig's analysis shows it appears frequently in academic, news, and scientific contexts. While adaptable, it’s advisable to use simpler alternatives in informal settings. Remember to use this phrase to emphasize the deliberate use of critical analysis in evaluating information, solving problems, and making informed decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evaluate information critically

This focuses on the evaluation aspect of critical thinking specifically applied to information.

critically assess situations

This option is more specific to evaluating circumstances with a critical perspective.

employ analytical skills

This option highlights the use of analytical abilities, emphasizing a structured approach to problem-solving.

use logical reasoning

This alternative emphasizes the use of logic as the primary tool for thinking.

exercise sound judgment

This alternative uses more general terms for decision-making, focusing on the quality of judgment.

think analytically

This focuses on the process of analytical thought rather than application.

engage in rigorous analysis

This suggests a more thorough and demanding analytical process.

reason through problems

This phrase focuses on using reason to navigate and solve issues.

think deeply

This alternative implies a thorough and contemplative approach to thinking, though less specific.

make informed decisions

This alternative is more focused on the outcome of the thinking process, which is decision-making.

FAQs

How can I use "apply critical thinking" in a sentence?

You can use "apply critical thinking" to describe the act of using analytical skills to evaluate information or solve problems. For example, "Students must "apply critical thinking" to complex case studies".

What can I say instead of "apply critical thinking"?

You can use alternatives like "exercise sound judgment", "employ analytical skills", or "use logical reasoning" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "apply critical thinking" or "use critical thinking"?

Both "apply critical thinking" and "use critical thinking" are grammatically correct and commonly used. "Apply" suggests a more deliberate and active engagement, while "use" is more general. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "critical thinking" and "analytical thinking"?

"Critical thinking" involves evaluating information and making judgments, while "analytical thinking" focuses on breaking down complex information into smaller parts to understand it better. While related, critical thinking often builds upon analytical thinking.