articulate a thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "articulate a thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of expressing or communicating an idea clearly and effectively. Example: "During the meeting, she was able to articulate a thought that resonated with everyone present."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Like when it's hard to articulate a thought, and then somebody says it in exactly the right way and you're like, " THAT'S what I meant!" I'm psyched if even just a few people look at one of my drawings and are like, " That's how it is!" See more of Heather's work on her website, and order a copy of Romantic Story here.

Vice

The most popular blogs involve people who can articulate a thought or argument.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Does articulating a thought in public freeze it in place somehow, making it not part of a thought process but rather a tiny little finished sculpture?

The New Yorker

Does articulating a thought in public freeze it in place somehow, making it not part of a thought process but rather a tiny little finished sculpture?" I wonder much the same thing.

Los Angeles Times

Okay, there are very few people who would articulate such a thought on national television.

Huffington Post

At bedtime, I listen to soft soothing voices either describing how something works, or articulating a thought-provoking idea in 4 acts.

Vice

I can only gape – it's a while since he articulated such a thought.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

Mr. Bunin's characters speak in complete, articulate sentences and never leave a thought unfinished, lending too much of the talk a neatly manicured quality.

The New York Times

Like President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal, the Governor of New York must articulate a comprehensive and well-thought out plan to justify this kind of a tax to help fund the bold projects on the table.

Huffington Post

Only in this way, they suggest, will women be able to break free from the constraints of male language and male thought, to articulate a competing vision for the world, and to work toward it (Daly and Caputi 1987, Elgin 1985, MacKinnon 1989, Penelope 1990, Spender 1985).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "articulate a thought", ensure the context emphasizes clarity and precision in expressing the idea. For example, use it when someone is struggling to express themselves but then finds the right words.

Common error

Avoid using "articulate a thought" when simpler terms like "express" or "say" suffice. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing the effort and clarity involved in conveying a complex or nuanced idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "articulate a thought" functions as a verbal phrase, denoting the action of expressing an idea clearly and effectively. As Ludwig AI shows, it is often used when someone conveys their ideas with precision and clarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "articulate a thought" is a phrase used to describe the process of expressing an idea with clarity and precision. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While it's most commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, it's essential to reserve its use for situations where the act of expressing the thought requires notable effort or results in exceptional clarity. Using simpler alternatives like "express an idea" may be more appropriate in less complex scenarios. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put a thought into words

Highlights the process of translating internal thoughts into an external, communicable form.

express an idea

Focuses on general expression, lacking the emphasis on clarity present in the original phrase.

voice an idea

A more straightforward way of saying 'express an idea', lacking the nuance of clarity.

verbalize a concept

More formal and emphasizes transforming abstract ideas into spoken words.

communicate a notion

More formal and emphasizes the act of transmitting an idea to someone else.

articulate one's views

Broader, referring to views rather than specific thoughts, often used in discussions or debates.

share a perspective

Emphasizes the personal nature of the thought being expressed, framing it as a viewpoint.

formulate an opinion

Focuses on expressing an opinion, which is a specific kind of thought.

convey a message

Focuses on the delivery of a message, which may or may not involve complex thoughts.

express a sentiment

Deals with the expression of feelings or emotions, which are related to but distinct from thoughts.

FAQs

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

You can use "articulate a thought" when you want to emphasize the clear and effective expression of an idea. For example: "She struggled to articulate a thought, but finally expressed her concerns clearly".

What are some alternatives to "articulate a thought"?

Alternatives to "articulate a thought" include "express an idea", "verbalize a concept", or "put a thought into words". Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "articulate a thought" instead of simply "express"?

"Articulate a thought" is best used when the expression requires careful consideration and clarity. If the expression is straightforward, "express" is usually sufficient. The former implies a degree of difficulty overcome in achieving clarity.

Is "articulating a thought" the same as "having a thought"?

No, "articulating a thought" refers to the act of expressing it clearly and effectively, while "having a thought" simply means the thought exists internally. The former is about communication, the latter about cognition.