controlling thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "controlling thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a dominant idea or concept that influences behavior or decision-making. Example: "In her writing, the controlling thought was the importance of self-discovery and personal growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Most people think of ADHD as a difficulty with controlling thought, and so perhaps ADHD medications help with control.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Brain imaging studies reveal that the regions of the adolescent brain responsible for controlling thoughts, actions and emotions are not fully developed.

The New York Times

The brain governs the entire human body by controlling thoughts, memory, speech, movements and autonomic functions.

Genome Medicine

"It has been a trait of megalomaniacs throughout history to use the arts to control thought, gain respectability, bolster their power and memorialize themselves,".

Huffington Post

It is not home, exactly, but there are no killing fields, no state-run apparatus to control thoughts and politics.

The New York Times

It comprises five subscales: 'positive beliefs about worry'negativeive beliefs about worry'cognitiveive confidence'needeed to control thoughts'; and 'cognitive self-consciousness'.

Cognitive Therapy and Research

In the current sample, Cronbach's α: of MCQ-30 subscales ranged from.73 ('need to control thoughts') to.89 ('positive beliefs about worry') at T1 and from.79 ('need to control thoughts') to.91 ('positive beliefs about worry') at T2, indicating adequate to excellent internal consistencey.

Cognitive Therapy and Research

It's about controlling your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.

Independent

He had said he was having trouble again controlling the thoughts, and she answered, "Son, I'm here".

The New York Times

He suggests that the results may be mixed signs of boredom and the trouble that we have controlling our thoughts.

Science Magazine

Our results confirm that the worry control strategy seems to be inappropriate for controlling intrusive thoughts.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "controlling thought" to describe the active process of directing or managing one's own thinking, especially in contexts related to mental discipline or cognitive function. For example, in psychology or self-help literature.

Common error

Avoid using "controlling thought" when you actually mean thought suppression. "Controlling thought" suggests a proactive management, whereas suppression implies an attempt to eliminate thoughts, which can often be counterproductive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "controlling thought" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. The adjective "controlling" indicates the action or ability to exert influence or direction over the noun "thought". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "controlling thought" refers to the ability to manage or direct one's thinking. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable, though relatively uncommon. The phrase is used to describe the active process of thought management, particularly in the contexts of mental health, cognitive function, and self-improvement. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's important to distinguish it from thought suppression, which implies an attempt to eliminate thoughts altogether. Related phrases include "thought management", "mental discipline", and "cognitive control", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thought management

Focuses on the active process of managing one's thoughts.

mental discipline

Highlights the disciplined aspect of directing one's thoughts.

cognitive control

Emphasizes the cognitive processes involved in thought management.

mind control

Implies a stronger, more forceful direction of thoughts.

thought regulation

Highlights regulating thought processes.

steering thoughts

Uses a metaphor to suggest guiding thoughts in a specific direction.

directing thoughts

Focuses on the action of guiding one's thoughts.

channeling thoughts

Suggests focusing thoughts into a specific path.

influencing thought

Implies a less direct form of control, focusing on influence rather than command.

shaping thought

Suggests molding and forming one's thinking processes.

FAQs

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

You can use "controlling thought" to describe the ability to manage one's own thinking. For instance, "Developing effective strategies for "thought management" is crucial for overcoming anxiety."

What's the difference between "controlling thought" and "cognitive control"?

"Controlling thought" is a more general term that refers to the ability to manage one's thoughts. "Cognitive control" is a more technical term used in psychology to describe the mental processes that allow us to regulate our thoughts and actions.

What are some techniques for "controlling thought"?

Some techniques include mindfulness meditation, cognitive restructuring, and developing self-awareness of your thought patterns. These methods help you to "directing thoughts" more effectively.

Is "controlling thought" always a positive thing?

While the ability to manage thoughts is generally beneficial, excessive attempts to control or suppress thoughts can sometimes lead to negative consequences, such as increased anxiety or obsessive thinking. Balance is key.