deep thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deep thinking" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a thought process that requires careful consideration or reflection. For example, "John engaged in deep thinking before coming to a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Dalton Trumbo, who got the sack, takes up deep thinking.

The New Yorker

A quiet, deep thinking man with a huge heart and a strong character.

The New York Times

This is a time for urgent action, serious leadership and deep thinking.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hard questions and deep thinking lead to new and better ideas.

Science Magazine

Those who excel this year will do so because they are analytical and deep thinking.

HuffPost

Follow hiMaybethe​tteconomic

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Deep-thinking and complex, Bosch can withstand the character assassination.

The New York Times - Books

Publications capable of fostering and sustaining deep-thinking policy discussions.

The Guardian

One activist challenged me to name another grassroots cause as "far-ranging" and "deep-thinking".

The New York Times

To access daring, experiment, calmness, deep-thinking, openness, generosity, Phyllida's name is the index.

Independent

"I need models!" this reputedly open-minded, deep-thinking fashion star is supposed to have said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with verbs like "require", "encourage" or "foster" to describe environments that support high-level intellectual work.

Common error

Do not use the phrase as a generic filler for simple tasks. Writers often use it to sound more intellectual when a more precise term like "planning" or "reviewing" would be more accurate. If the task does not actually involve significant cognitive labor, using this phrase can lead to hyperbolic or vague writing.

Linguistic Context

"Deep thinking" functions primarily as a noun phrase composed of the adjective "deep" and the gerund "thinking". According to Ludwig, it is frequently used as a direct object or the subject of a sentence to denote a high-intensity cognitive state. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in various syntactical positions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "deep thinking" is a highly effective and grammatically correct phrase used to describe serious mental deliberation. Ludwig provides over 50 examples from top-tier sources like The New Yorker and The Guardian, demonstrating its utility in news, academia and professional writing. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is an ideal phrase for describing a thought process that requires careful consideration or reflection. Whether you are discussing educational reform, scientific discovery or strategic business pivots, the phrase highlights a commitment to logic, clarity and depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical thinking

Adds an evaluative and analytical dimension to the process of thought

profound reflection

Emphasizes the depth and introspective nature of the contemplation

intensive deliberation

Suggests a more formal or decision-oriented thought process

rigorous analysis

Implies a highly structured, logical and scientific approach

intellectual depth

Focuses on the quality of the thought rather than the act itself

contemplative thought

Suggests a calmer, more meditative and less hurried process

serious consideration

Often used in professional contexts regarding upcoming decisions

cognitive processing

A more technical or psychological term for the act of thinking

focused concentration

Emphasizes the intensity and lack of distraction during the act

careful observation

Suggests that the thinking is rooted in what is being seen or measured