convey a thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "convey a thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of expressing or communicating an idea or opinion. Example: "The author skillfully conveys a thought that resonates with readers on a personal level."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"We wanted our characters to be able to just raise an eyebrow and have it convey a thought or emotion just as it could in a film".

The New York Times - Arts

But listening to him, you hear that he needs a moment to collect himself and it suddenly becomes clear that Mr. Rijxman wishes to convey a thought darker and more complicated than simple defiance.

The New York Times - Arts

Haig-Brown was a talented angler, a naturalist, a curious and keen observer and, above all, a man who was always searching for the right words to convey a thought, the silvery sheen of a salmon's flank or the aspect of a river at dawn.

The New York Times - Sports

What "convey" means precisely is a matter of considerable debate that we can ignore here.[41] We most commonly explain why people do one thing A with the intention of something something else B by explaining why they believe they will do B by doing A, or why they want to do B. We can explain why speakers intend to convey a thought by uttering a sentence that says something else in the same ways.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This may be for rhetorical effect or because of difficulty in conveying a thought without resort to linguistic tricks.

SEP

@steWhile3rd.

Vice

The substantiality of the taking would certainly dilute the claim of need to use the first author's exact words to convey a particular thought or sentiment.

Cornell University

Cellphone carriers first added the images to differentiate their phones from those of rivals, and they caught on as an efficient way to quickly convey a specific thought, mood or joke.

The New York Times - Tech

This is great for those of us who want to hear the great Conservative strategist convey a frank thought instead of something foaming from Pierre Poilievre's mouth, but who are too poor to afford whatever ticket price is charged to cover Harper's $50,000+ USD speaker's fee.

Vice

The system distinguishes mutually exclusive and exhaustive categories into which verbal utterances that convey a complete thought can be classified.

British Journal of Cancer

It distinguishes mutually exclusive and exhaustive categories into which verbal utterances that convey a complete thought can be classified.

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "convey a thought" when you want to emphasize the successful transmission of an idea, feeling, or opinion from one person to another. It implies a level of clarity and understanding in the communication process.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex language in an attempt to "convey a thought". Clarity and simplicity are often more effective in ensuring your message is understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "convey a thought" functions as a verb phrase where "convey" is the verb and "a thought" is the direct object. Ludwig examples show it describing the action of expressing or communicating an idea. The Ludwig AI confirms it is correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "convey a thought" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes the act of expressing or communicating an idea. While not extremely common, as Ludwig's analysis indicates, it is appropriate for use across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this phrase. When aiming for clarity and precision in your writing, consider using "convey a thought" or explore semantically similar phrases like "express an idea" or "communicate a concept" to best suit your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

express an idea

Focuses on the act of articulating an idea, rather than just conveying it.

communicate a concept

Highlights the transfer of a specific concept or understanding.

articulate a viewpoint

Emphasizes a specific opinion or perspective.

get the message across

Focuses on the successful delivery and understanding of a message.

put an idea into words

Highlights the process of translating an idea into a verbal form.

share an insight

Emphasizes the act of communicating a deeper understanding or revelation.

transmit a notion

Focuses on the transfer of a specific idea or belief.

disseminate information

Emphasizes the wide distribution of knowledge or data.

impart knowledge

Highlights the act of giving or sharing knowledge with someone.

air one's views

Focuses on publicly expressing personal opinions.

FAQs

What does "convey a thought" mean?

The phrase "convey a thought" means to express or communicate an idea, opinion, or feeling to someone else.

How can I "convey a thought" more effectively in writing?

To effectively "convey a thought" in writing, focus on clarity, use precise language, and provide context to ensure your audience understands your message. Consider using examples or analogies to illustrate your points.

What are some alternatives to "convey a thought"?

You can use alternatives like "express an idea", "communicate a concept", or "articulate a viewpoint" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "convey a thought" or "share a thought"?

"Convey a thought" emphasizes the successful transmission and understanding of the idea by the recipient. "Share a thought" simply focuses on expressing the idea, without necessarily ensuring complete understanding. The best choice depends on the specific context.