currents of thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "currents of thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe prevailing ideas, trends, or philosophies within a particular context or discourse. Example: "In the realm of philosophy, various currents of thought have shaped our understanding of ethics and morality over the centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The term includes several, heterogeneous currents of thought.

The Guardian

Two proximate encounters typified the currents of thought.

The New York Times

Each essayist will explore the dominant themes and currents of thought in a particular area of American life.

The New York Times - Books

Later, while attending Kyōto Imperial University, he worked with them on the literary magazine Shinshicho ("New Currents of Thought").

Encyclopedia Britannica

With the opening up of China, however, has come the opening of Xinjiang to currents of thought in the greater Islamic world.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a student, Kume was associated with the writers Akutagawa Ryūnosuke and Kikuchi Kan on the famous school literary journal Shinshichō ("New Currents of Thought").

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Massive currents of thoughts and emotions coursed through my system as I lay in bed, as if they were conspiring to take me to a different place.

Huffington Post

But the exhibition also shows that a strong current of thought welcomed this defeat as an opportunity.

The New York Times - Arts

But in an era of rapid modernization, China has lacked anything like a broad current of thought about women's rights.

The New York Times

And they can get the upper hand because it's a very strong current of thought and confronted with it reason can't do much.

The Guardian - Books

Alberti's distinctive contribution to this current of thought took the form of a small treatise on geography, the first work of its kind since antiquity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the evolution of ideas or beliefs, use "currents of thought" to illustrate how different perspectives have emerged and influenced one another over time.

Common error

Avoid using "currents of thought" to describe individual opinions or isolated ideas. It's best suited for capturing widespread intellectual movements or philosophical shifts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "currents of thought" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes prevailing intellectual trends, philosophies, or ideas that influence a particular context. Ludwig's examples showcase this usage in various fields, including history, politics, and philosophy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "currents of thought" is a noun phrase used to describe prevailing ideas, trends, or philosophies within a particular field or context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science-related sources, indicating a relatively formal register. When using this phrase, it is important to ensure it accurately reflects widespread intellectual movements rather than individual opinions. Alternative phrases like "intellectual trends" or "schools of thought" can provide similar meanings in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectual trends

This alternative emphasizes the direction or vogue of intellectual pursuits at a given time.

schools of thought

This highlights established frameworks and methodologies within a particular discipline.

lines of reasoning

This alternative spotlights the step-by-step progression of logic and argumentation.

intellectual movements

This suggests a broad and sweeping shift in intellectual focus or philosophy.

prevailing ideas

This focuses on the dominant or most accepted notions within a field.

dominant themes

This emphasizes the recurring and significant subjects of discussion or analysis.

intellectual climate

This refers to the overall atmosphere or environment of intellectual discourse.

conceptual frameworks

This highlights the structured systems of concepts used for understanding.

philosophical underpinnings

This alternative concentrates on the fundamental beliefs and assumptions that support an idea.

theoretical perspectives

This emphasizes different approaches and viewpoints in understanding a concept.

FAQs

How can I use "currents of thought" in a sentence?

You can use "currents of thought" to describe prevailing ideas or intellectual trends. For example: "The rise of technology has significantly influenced the "currents of thought" in modern society."

What are some alternatives to "currents of thought"?

Alternatives include "intellectual trends", "schools of thought", or "prevailing ideas", depending on the specific context.

Is "current of thought" or "currents of thought" more appropriate?

"Current of thought" refers to a single, dominant idea, while "currents of thought" refers to multiple, often interconnected ideas. Use the plural form when discussing diverse or multiple perspectives.

What's the difference between "currents of thought" and "streams of consciousness"?

"Currents of thought" generally refers to broader intellectual movements or trends, whereas "streams of consciousness" describes an individual's continuous flow of thoughts and feelings.