Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
cognitively
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "cognitively" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing mental processes, understanding, or intellectual functions. Example: "The study aims to explore how different teaching methods affect students cognitively."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Both count as cognitive values because they make theories cognitively accessible, comprehensible to our finite minds.
Science
Cognitive processes are said to be cognitively penetrable if their workings can be affected by the beliefs and goals of the person, and cognitively impenetrable if they cannot be.
Science
Given the critical role they assign to "the distinctive form of common life" of human beings for moral recognition and obligation, it is far from obvious that Mulhall or Diamond would require an intelligent Martian to recognize and respect the moral status of cognitively normal human beings, let alone of human beings with radical cognitive disabilities.
Science
But most products right now are still not cognitively ergonomic: they're not made with an understanding of how the brain works".
News & Media
You'll also learn how to produce cognitively addictive plots and how to design credible antagonists.
News & Media
The AAA researchers noted that "even when there are no demands for visual processing, interacting with cognitively demanding in-vehicle devices can alter where and how drivers look in the driving environment", to the detriment of safety.It is possible that using voice-driven systems is taxing simply because such systems are relatively new and unfamiliar.
News & Media
Participants were asked to rate how frequently they engaged in cognitively stimulating activities.
News & Media
But we take comfort that Johnson, junior, is cognitively just fine.
News & Media
Cognitively advanced, whales have powers of acoustic processing, communication and social intelligence.
News & Media
What they do instead is to create a counter-narrative of civility and respect that can be deployed in public discussions that threaten to get out of hand, and that may prove appealing to people who aren't temperamental bomb-throwers, or who haven't yet staked themselves to weird, inflammatory, and simply false propositions that are too cognitively embarrassing to retract.
News & Media
Those suffering from it develop slowly, both physically and cognitively, and rarely outlive their teens.Konzo does not kill, but it does disable.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "cognitively" to precisely describe processes related to thinking, understanding, and remembering. For example, when discussing the impact of technology on learning, specifying that it "cognitively enhances" a skill provides more clarity than simply stating it "helps".
Common error
While "cognitively" is accurate, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "mentally" or "intellectually" when communicating with a general audience to maintain a natural tone.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The adverb "cognitively" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe something in relation to thinking and mental processes. As seen in Ludwig, it adds specificity by indicating how an action or state is connected to cognition. It refers to how something is processed or understood mentally.
Frequent in
Science
45%
News & Media
35%
Encyclopedias
10%
Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Reference
3%
Wiki
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "cognitively" is a versatile adverb used to specify the relationship between an action or state and cognitive processes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and demonstrates its common usage in scientific and news-related contexts. To ensure clarity and appropriateness, consider the audience and context, opting for simpler alternatives like "mentally" or "intellectually" in more informal settings. When precision is key, "cognitively" offers a specific and refined way to describe how something relates to thinking and understanding.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
mentally
Focuses more broadly on the mind and its functions, whereas "cognitively" specifically relates to the process of knowing and understanding.
intellectually
Emphasizes reasoning and higher-level mental abilities compared to the broader scope of "cognitively".
conceptually
Deals with abstract ideas and mental representations, a key element of cognitive function.
thoughtfully
Highlights the careful and deliberate nature of thinking, adding a nuance of intention not always present in "cognitively".
rationally
Focuses on logical and coherent thinking, a specific aspect of cognitive processing.
perceptually
Relates to how something is understood through senses and initial interpretations, a component of cognitive processing.
understandingly
Places emphasis on comprehension and grasping of concepts, which can also involve emotion.
logically
Focuses on the structured and reasoned aspect of thought, distinct from the broader scope of cognitive processes.
in a thinking manner
A more descriptive way to express cognitive involvement, it highlights the act of thinking.
in a mental way
A broader term for cognitive functions, including processes beyond the intellect.
FAQs
How can I use "cognitively" in a sentence?
You can use "cognitively" to describe processes related to thinking and understanding, for example: "The study examines how different teaching methods affect students "cognitively"."
What are some alternatives to "cognitively"?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "mentally", "intellectually", or "thoughtfully" to express similar ideas.
Is it correct to say "cognitive" instead of "cognitively"?
"Cognitive" is an adjective, while "cognitively" is an adverb. Use "cognitive" to describe a noun (e.g., cognitive development) and "cognitively" to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb (e.g., cognitively demanding).
What's the difference between "cognitively" and "intellectually"?
While both relate to mental processes, "cognitively" refers specifically to the processes of knowing, understanding, and perceiving. "Intellectually" refers to higher-level reasoning and knowledge. "Intellectually" stimulating is a good test.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested