certain ways of thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'certain ways of thinking' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to people's opinions and ideas about something, especially when talking about how difficult it is to change those ideas. For example: People can hold onto certain ways of thinking for a long time, even when presented with evidence that contradicts it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

'It's an incredibly brave move,' says Grant. 'He shows how anti-Semitism can take hold of a society through certain ways of thinking in politics, and even culture, and not just though personal hatred of Jews.

The Guardian - Books

An alternative physicalist proposal is that Mary in her room lacks certain phenomenal concepts, certain ways of thinking about or mentally representing color experiences and colors.

SEP

The term 'statistical interpretation of modality' was introduced into the modern discussion by Oscar Becker (1952), and it has been applied since in descriptions of certain ways of thinking in the history of philosophy as well, particularly by Jaakko Hintikka (1973).

SEP

Pressure on the private sphere not only comes from people's conscious or unconscious transmission of certain ways of thinking into it, but also from the increasing number (or at least the perceived increase) of monetary transactions that concern this sphere, for example in the form of paid child care or surrogate motherhood.

SEP

We have inherited certain ways of thinking about the female body as something that does something in the world.

Huffington Post

Media ecologist Neil Postman writes, "An environment is, after all, a complex message system which imposes on human beings certain ways of thinking, feeling and behaving.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Suppose — as Grice thinks — certain way of thinking, certain categories, are part of what is entrenched.

SEP

But having set two books – my memoir The Boy With the Topknot and now my novel Marriage Material - in my home town of Wolverhampton, I do think there is certain way of thinking and writing when you are neither from the north or the south, when you live in an English urban, multicultural setting which is not London.

The Guardian - Books

Yeah, I think to portray to a cause or to portray a certain way of thinking is a hard thing to do.

Los Angeles Times

"Generally, I ask simple questions that require a certain way of thinking.

Independent

We shared a certain way of thinking about science and of looking at a problem.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing societal or cultural influences, use "certain ways of thinking" to highlight ingrained belief systems.

Common error

Avoid using "certain ways of thinking" when referring to individual, isolated thoughts. It's more appropriate for describing widespread patterns or systems of thought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain ways of thinking" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It refers to specific, identifiable patterns of thought, often implying a system or framework of beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain ways of thinking" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that refers to established patterns of thought within a group or society. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across diverse contexts. It is most often found in News & Media and Science sources. While grammatically sound, be mindful of its applicability, especially in casual conversations. Consider alternative phrases like "specific thought patterns" or "established belief systems" to better align with the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Specific thought patterns

This alternative focuses on the structured and identifiable nature of thought processes.

Particular mindset

This phrase emphasizes the established attitude or disposition that influences thinking.

Distinct cognitive approaches

This highlights the different methods and strategies employed in thinking.

Established belief systems

This focuses on the ingrained and accepted sets of beliefs that shape thought.

Prevailing ideologies

This term refers to the dominant sets of ideas that influence societal thinking.

Conventional wisdom

This emphasizes the widely accepted beliefs and assumptions.

Traditional viewpoints

This refers to perspectives rooted in long-standing customs and practices.

Fixed mental models

This highlights the rigid frameworks that individuals use to understand the world.

Preconceived notions

This refers to assumptions and ideas formed in advance, often without sufficient evidence.

Ingrained habits of thought

This alternative emphasizes the habitual and deeply rooted nature of certain thinking styles.

FAQs

How can I use "certain ways of thinking" in a sentence?

"Certain ways of thinking" is often used to describe established patterns of thought within a group or society. For example: "The educational system promotes "certain ways of thinking" about problem-solving."

What are some alternatives to "certain ways of thinking"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "specific thought patterns", "particular mindset", or "established belief systems".

When is it appropriate to use "certain ways of thinking"?

Use "certain ways of thinking" when you want to emphasize that the thoughts and beliefs in question are not just any random thoughts, but part of a system. This is especially useful when discussing societal, cultural, or historical trends.

How does "certain ways of thinking" differ from "individual opinions"?

"Certain ways of thinking" implies a collective or shared understanding, whereas "individual opinions" refer to personal beliefs that may not be widely held. The former is about systemic thought, while the latter is about isolated thought.