chain of thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'chain of thought' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a series of thought processes or ideas that follow each other in a logical order. For example, "He constructed a sophisticated chain of thought, leading to a surprising conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Let's stop that chain of thought.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I'm not really following Wolfe's chain of thought but then I'm not entirely sure he is either.

The Guardian - Arts

A knock on the window interrupts her chain of thought; news has come through that the chief executive of UK Athletics, David Moorcroft, has resigned.

The Guardian - Sport

Watching it fall, he says, "I just did that thing where you're following a chain of thought, and you go, That looked like it was really near.

The New Yorker

This threat provoked a long chain of thought in Veronica that led to her saying solemnly, "Gregor and I are getting a divorce".

The New Yorker

Its style is the same as that of the first: Twain pursues whatever chain of thought presents itself, and he continues to pursue it until he gets bored.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"What you say in social media shouldn't be just a chain of thoughts".

The New York Times

Prayers and promises — like at a wedding (with the place cards shuffled), or at a sentencing hearing, or in the chain of thoughts in your mind as your plane is about to crash.

The New Yorker

Following the chain of thoughts the mishap evokes, he writes instead about his childhood in Canton, Ohio; and his relation to his horse, Betha, whose twice scarred body and pathetic fate as a marching horse contrast with her former sense of life and grace.

The New Yorker

Your chain of thoughts might at some point result in a fully formed idea, but this process of letting go is just as important as the results.

Huffington Post

Those with dyslexia undergo a more complicated chain of thoughts when associating the image of a letter with the sound it makes; therefore up to five times more energy is expended in language processing.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chain of thought" to illustrate a logical progression or connection between ideas in your writing, making your arguments clearer and more persuasive.

Common error

Ensure your "chain of thought" remains coherent and logically linked. Abrupt shifts or irrelevant tangents can disrupt the flow and confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chain of thought" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that it is used to describe a connected sequence of ideas or reasoning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chain of thought" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a sequence of interconnected ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for describing connected reasoning. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, with a neutral register that suits a range of writing styles. When using the phrase, ensure your ideas are logically linked to maintain coherence, and consider related phrases such as "series of thought" or "line of reasoning" to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

series of thought

Replaces 'chain' with 'series', emphasizing a sequence but slightly less interconnected than a chain.

network of thought

Uses 'network' to highlight the interconnected nature of thoughts but implies a more complex relationship.

succession of thought

Emphasizes the sequential aspect of thinking, replacing 'chain' with 'succession'.

string of thought

Uses 'string' to indicate a linear sequence of thoughts.

train of thought

Suggests a progression of connected ideas, similar to a train moving along a track.

flow of thought

Highlights the continuous and fluid nature of thinking.

line of reasoning

Focuses on the logical progression of arguments or ideas.

course of reasoning

Emphasizes the path or direction taken by one's thoughts.

thread of consciousness

Connects thoughts to overall awareness, representing a continuous stream of experience.

intellectual trajectory

Emphasizes the development and direction of intellectual thinking.

FAQs

How can I effectively illustrate a "chain of thought" in writing?

Use transitional phrases and clear connectors to link each idea logically to the next, creating a coherent progression. Examples include "therefore", "consequently", and "as a result".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "chain of thought"?

You can use alternatives like "series of thought", "line of reasoning", or "train of thought" depending on the context.

Is "chain of thought" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "chain of thought" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe a connected sequence of ideas. In some contexts, however, a more specific or technical term might be preferable.

What distinguishes a "chain of thought" from a simple list of ideas?

A "chain of thought" implies a logical connection and progression between ideas, whereas a list is simply a collection of items without necessarily indicating a relationship. The ideas in a "chain of thought" build upon each other.