at the thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the thought" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to talk about someone's reaction to a thought or idea. For example, "She shuddered at the thought of what might happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

She shuddered at the thought.

The New York Times

Holt smiled at the thought.

The New Yorker

Youkilis smiled at the thought.

The New York Times

She laughed at the thought.

The New York Times

He chuckled at the thought.

The New York Times - Sports

You scoff at the thought.

The New Yorker

Orr fidgets at the thought.

The New York Times - Sports

He smiles at the thought.

The New Yorker

International epidemiologists tremble at the thought.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And my heart sank at the thought.

Huffington Post

He shudders at the thought.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the thought" to clearly indicate a direct emotional or physical reaction to a specific idea or mental image. This helps create vivid and relatable descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "at the thought" when the reaction is not directly and immediately caused by the thought itself. Instead, use phrases like "because of", "due to", or "as a result of" to indicate indirect consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the thought" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the cause or trigger of an action or emotion, expressing a direct reaction to a mental consideration. Ludwig shows examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the thought" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe a direct reaction to a specific idea or mental consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and frequently used. It’s most often found in news and media contexts, serving to convey immediate emotional or physical responses. When writing, ensure that the reaction is directly tied to the thought itself, and consider specifying who is having the thought for clarity. Remember that while alternatives like "upon reflection" exist, "at the thought" distinctly emphasizes the immediacy of the reaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon reflection

Focuses on the act of thinking back on something; emphasizes a more deliberate consideration.

when considering it

Highlights the act of actively thinking about something, often implying a reasoned assessment.

on contemplating the idea

Implies a deeper and more prolonged consideration than the original phrase.

the mere suggestion of it

Emphasizes that even a slight hint or mention of something is enough to trigger a reaction.

faced with the prospect

Focuses on the potential future event and the feelings associated with it.

when presented with the concept

Highlights the moment of being introduced to a new idea and its impact.

at the mere hint of

Stresses the slightness of the trigger that causes a reaction.

the very notion of

Emphasizes the fundamental idea itself and the reaction to it.

considering the possibility

Highlights the potential for something to happen and the emotional response.

in light of the concept

Implies a more analytical and reasoned response to an idea.

FAQs

How can I use "at the thought" in a sentence?

Use "at the thought" to show someone's reaction to considering something. For example, "She shuddered "at the thought" of what might happen if she failed".

What are some alternatives to "at the thought"?

Alternatives include phrases like "upon reflection", "when considering it", or "on contemplating the idea". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. See more alternatives "here".

Is it always necessary to specify who is having the thought when using "at the thought"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying who is having the thought often provides important context and makes the sentence clearer. For example, "He smiled "at the thought" of seeing his family again" is clearer than "Someone smiled "at the thought"".

What's the difference between "at the thought" and "of the thought"?

"At the thought" indicates a direct reaction to a specific idea. "Of the thought" usually indicates something belonging to or related to the thought itself. For instance, you might say, "The consequences of the thought were severe."