considerable thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "considerable thinking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant amount of thought or contemplation that has been put into a subject or decision. Example: "After considerable thinking, I have decided to pursue a different career path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Each expression requires considerable thinking when drafting.

The Guardian

The whirl seems to have inspired considerable thinking about college football past.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He said he had spent considerable time thinking about a Bush cabinet and "could name a few folks pretty quickly if I so chose to do so".

The New York Times

There is substantial evidence that Newton took Descartes's ideas very seriously, and expended considerable energy thinking them through and eventually coming to criticize them.

SEP

"Considerable," she said, thinking that Dorgan could find some stripling surveyor to do the work for a few dollars.

The New Yorker

It is a puzzling show: it takes considerable looking and thinking to assemble its pieces into a coherent whole in your mind.

The New York Times - Arts

However, several investigators have proposed that intelligent behavior in the wild--in everyday circumstances in which carefully framed tests do not tell people exactly what intellectual task to attempt--depends in considerable part on thinking dispositions.

Harvard University

As Andy Harless points out, nominal output also, and disconcertingly, has appeared to have a unit root in this recovery.You may be unsurprised to learn that there has been a considerable evolution in thinking within the Romney camp on monetary policy.

The Economist

Beyond those set on changing, another considerable group is thinking about a switch and, again, VOD homes over-index, except for those with 11-14 year olds. 11-14 year olds

Huffington Post

Reciprocal blastp best-hit analysis such as is shown in Figs 3, 4, 8 and 9 has proved a considerable aid to thinking about the evolution and mechanisms of actinobacterial cell biology and developmental complexity, and access to the full tables at http://streptomyces.org.uk/actinoblast/ may prove useful in investigating other aspects of actinobacterial biology.

FEMS Microbiology Reviews

Past U.S. administrations have engaged in considerable wishful thinking about China's role in dealing with Pyongyang.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "considerable thinking" to emphasize the effort and depth put into a thought process, particularly when discussing complex or important decisions. For example, "The new strategy required "considerable thinking" from the executive team."

Common error

Avoid using "considerable thinking" when simpler terms like "thought" or "consideration" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. Opt for more direct language when the context doesn't warrant emphasizing extensive deliberation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "considerable thinking" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "considerable" modifies the noun "thinking". It describes the extent or degree of thought applied to a subject, as supported by Ludwig examples that demonstrate drafting requires "considerable thinking".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "considerable thinking" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to emphasize the significant amount of thought or deliberation applied to a subject. While not exceedingly common, its usage is appropriate in neutral to professional contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase signifies that the topic demanded careful and thorough mental effort. Consider alternatives like "extensive thought" or "substantial reflection" to add nuance. While the phrase is correct, Ludwig recommends it can be improved avoiding overuse in simple contexts and ensuring it aligns with the desired emphasis on effort and depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive thought

Emphasizes the breadth and scope of the thinking involved.

substantial reflection

Highlights the reflective and contemplative nature of the thinking.

serious deliberation

Focuses on the solemn and careful consideration given to a matter.

in-depth analysis

Stresses the thorough and detailed examination of a subject.

careful consideration

Emphasizes the attentiveness and caution in the thinking process.

profound contemplation

Highlights the deep and insightful nature of the thinking.

thoughtful analysis

Focuses on the quality and care put into analysis.

intense scrutiny

Emphasizes a concentrated and critical examination.

deep thought

Focuses on the level of depth involved in the thinking process.

careful thought

Highlights attentiveness and caution in thought.

FAQs

How can I use "considerable thinking" in a sentence?

You can use "considerable thinking" to describe a situation where a significant amount of thought and deliberation is required. For example: "The project's success depended on "considerable thinking" and planning."

What are some alternatives to "considerable thinking"?

Alternatives include "extensive thought", "substantial reflection", or "careful consideration", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "considerable thinking" formal or informal?

"Considerable thinking" is generally suitable for neutral to formal contexts. Simpler phrases like "a lot of thought" might be preferable in very informal settings.

What is the difference between "considerable thinking" and "deep thought"?

"Considerable thinking" emphasizes the amount of mental effort, while "deep thought" highlights the intensity and profundity of the thought process. The choice depends on whether you want to stress effort or depth.