as a thought experiment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a thought experiment" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a hypothetical situation that one contemplates for the purpose of testing an idea or a principle. For example: "Let's consider the notion of time travel as a thought experiment to understand the implications of such a possibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The machines have always been thought of as a "thought experiment" but one crazy man actually built one.

TechCrunch

The book began inadvertently, as a thought experiment.

The New York Times - Books

As a thought experiment, I'm inspired by it every day.

The Guardian

"It's interesting as a thought experiment," the Mars Society's Robert Zubrin tells me.

The Guardian

"The Lifecycle of Software Objects" isn't a story about Chiang's parents disguised as a thought experiment.

The New Yorker

Imagine, as a thought experiment, that all the states were to adopt this "reform" at once.

The New Yorker

As a thought experiment, Mr. Altshuler said, sure, given the lie we're currently telling ourselves.

The New York Times

So far the idea has mostly only been raised as a thought experiment by academics and defence analysts.

The Guardian

ALAN TURING conceived the Turing machine as a thought experiment to define what can be mechanically computed.

The Economist

But as a thought experiment, it shows how even Mr Saran's definition of "fair" falls short of the mark.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Hegel would have been the greatest thinker who ever lived, said Kierkegaard, if only he had regarded his system as a thought-experiment.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a thought experiment" to introduce scenarios that explore potential outcomes or implications of ideas without necessarily implying real-world application. This clarifies that the discussion is theoretical and exploratory.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "thought experiment" as a real-world experiment or study. Ensure that your writing clearly distinguishes between hypothetical scenarios and empirical evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a thought experiment" functions as a prepositional phrase used to frame a discussion or exploration of an idea within a hypothetical or theoretical context. It signals that the following discussion should be understood as an exercise in reasoning, rather than a presentation of factual events. As seen on Ludwig, it's frequently used in news and academic writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

28%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a thought experiment" is a versatile tool for introducing hypothetical scenarios and exploring abstract concepts, functioning as a prepositional phrase that signals a theoretical exploration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, indicating a neutral to formal register. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, remember to clearly distinguish these hypothetical explorations from real-world experiments to avoid confusion. Alternatives like "in a hypothetical scenario" or "hypothetically speaking" can be used for variety, though "as a thought experiment" maintains a specific nuance of intellectual engagement. In summary, using the phrase effectively can significantly enhance the clarity and depth of your arguments, allowing readers to navigate complex ideas with greater ease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a mental exercise

Highlights the cognitive aspect of the exploration.

in a hypothetical scenario

Focuses on creating a hypothetical situation rather than framing it as an experiment.

considering a theoretical situation

Emphasizes the abstract and non-practical nature of the scenario.

hypothetically speaking

Directly indicates that the following statement is based on a hypothesis.

if we were to assume

Sets up a conditional statement based on a hypothetical premise.

theoretically speaking

Indicates that the statement is based on theory rather than practical application.

for the sake of argument

Suggests a temporary acceptance of a premise to explore its consequences.

let's imagine for a moment

Invites the audience to engage in a shared imaginative exercise.

envisioning a scenario where

Emphasizes the act of creating a mental picture of a possible situation.

suppose, for example

Introduces a specific hypothetical instance to illustrate a point.

FAQs

How can I use "as a thought experiment" in a sentence?

You can use "as a thought experiment" to introduce a hypothetical situation or scenario, for example: "As a thought experiment, let's consider the implications of unlimited renewable energy".

What are some alternatives to saying "as a thought experiment"?

You can use alternatives like "in a hypothetical scenario", "hypothetically speaking", or "for the sake of argument" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "like a thought experiment" instead of "as a thought experiment"?

While "like a thought experiment" might be understandable, "as a thought experiment" is the more common and grammatically standard way to introduce a hypothetical scenario or mental exercise.

What's the purpose of using "as a thought experiment" in writing?

Using "as a thought experiment" allows you to explore complex ideas, consider different perspectives, or analyze potential outcomes without being constrained by real-world limitations or practical concerns.