complex thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"complex thought" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a thought or idea that is intricate, intricate or multi-layered in nature. Example: Sarah's essay displayed a deep understanding of the topic, as she presented complex thoughts and arguments in a clear and concise manner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It would seem as fundamental a natural law as paper-covers-rock or scissors-cuts-paper: Video trumps thought, complex thought anyway.

MIT Technology Review

Moreover, Dr. Bertrand added: "Caregiving often requires complex thought.

The New York Times

Object identification is a fundamental cognitive capacity that forms the basis for complex thought and behavior.

Trends in Cognitive Sciences

But we don't need complex thought experiments to conclude that a conscious computer is ridiculously unlikely.

MIT Technology Review

Whatever the complex thought pattern, it was a show that did women good service.

The New York Times

In all four cases, incapable of speech or even complex thought.

The Guardian - Opinion

The image is, like much of Notes on Blindness, a sensitive take on a complex thought.

The Guardian - Film

Other interests include religion, cooperation, and the capacity for complex thought.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The work is simple and complex, thought-provoking and crowd-pleasing, deeply traditional and utterly modern.

The New York Times - Arts

Dense, complex, thought-provoking, it manages to be at once a fairytale and a philosophical treatise, high-octane thriller and literary interrogation.

The Guardian - Books

Rather than emulating the complex thought-processes of human players, computers simply resort to mindless number-crunching to decide what move to make.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cognitive abilities, use "complex thought" to describe advanced reasoning or problem-solving skills in academic and professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "complex thought" when simpler terms like "thinking" or "idea" suffice. Using it in basic situations can sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex thought" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the capacity or activity of engaging in intricate and sophisticated mental processes. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a commonly used phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

35%

Science

35%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complex thought" is a well-established and frequently used noun phrase that denotes intricate and sophisticated cognitive processes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and commonly used in written English. Predominantly found in academic, scientific, and news contexts, the phrase describes advanced reasoning and analysis. While grammatically sound, it's best to avoid using "complex thought" in simple situations. Alternatives such as "critical thinking" or "deep thinking" can provide a more nuanced expression depending on the specific context. Whether discussing cognitive abilities or dissecting intellectual prowess, understanding the proper use of "complex thought" can significantly enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intricate thinking

Focuses on the detailed and elaborate nature of the thought process.

sophisticated reasoning

Emphasizes the advanced and refined quality of the reasoning involved.

deep contemplation

Highlights the thorough and profound nature of the thinking.

abstract thought

Stresses the conceptual and theoretical nature of the thought.

critical analysis

Emphasizes the evaluative and judgmental aspects of thinking.

intellectual exercise

Highlights the active and deliberate engagement of the mind.

cognitive processing

Focuses on the mental processes involved in thinking.

high-level cognition

Emphasizes the advanced stage of cognitive function.

elaborate ideation

Stresses the detailed and inventive nature of the idea formation.

nuanced understanding

Highlights a subtle and detailed level of comprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "complex thought" in a sentence?

You can use "complex thought" to describe intricate reasoning processes, as in "The research required significant "complex thought" to analyze the data".

What's a simpler alternative to "complex thought"?

Depending on the context, you could use "critical thinking", "deep thinking", or simply "reasoning".

In what fields is the term "complex thought" commonly used?

The term "complex thought" is commonly used in fields such as psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence to describe advanced cognitive processes.

What is the difference between ""complex thought"" and "simple thought"?

"Complex thought" involves intricate reasoning, analysis, and problem-solving, while simple thought refers to basic understanding or recall.