entertain the thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"entertain the thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest that someone consider an idea. For example, "Let's entertain the thought of postponing the meeting until next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But Mr. Kerik said he would not entertain the thought.

The New York Times

People in his inner circle refuse to entertain the thought.

The New York Times

Nostalgia apart, there are few reasons to entertain the thought.

The Guardian

Why would anyone even entertain the thought of babies as moral beings?

The New York Times - Magazine

So sane that Palo Alto hasn't been the first Bay Area city to entertain the thought.

The New Yorker

Mr. Tohti could probably leave the country and become a Uighur exile, but he refuses to entertain the thought.

The New York Times

Klopp was unwilling to entertain the thought but in this form, his team should get close, at least.

The Guardian - Sport

That was overruled, but for a while we had to entertain the thought of sitting in the same room with relatives of the bombers who killed our daughter.

Independent

One of the first Russians to entertain the thought of taking asylum in England in case things got tough in Russia was Ivan the Terrible.

The Economist

But Alleman missed a 45-yard attempt, and there was enough time to entertain the thought that L.S.U.'s win was not certain.

The New York Times - Sports

And we agreed that we might entertain the thought of another barge trip in the future, but probably not for a few years.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entertain the thought" when you want to suggest considering something that might initially seem unlikely or undesirable. It encourages open-mindedness.

Common error

Don't use "entertain the thought" if you want to convey strong agreement or a firm decision. It suggests consideration, not necessarily agreement. For definitive statements, opt for phrases like "I've decided" or "I'm convinced".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entertain the thought" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as part of a clause. It suggests the act of considering an idea, often one that might initially seem unlikely or undesirable. Ludwig's examples show it used in both positive and negative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "entertain the thought" is a commonly used phrase that encourages the consideration of an idea, even if it initially seems unlikely or undesirable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it’s essential to avoid using it when firm acceptance or agreement is intended. Alternatives like "consider the idea" or "explore the possibility" may be more suitable in certain contexts. Its frequent appearance in news and media outlets, as well as science and business contexts, suggests its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consider the idea

Focuses on the act of thinking about an idea, rather than just entertaining it.

contemplate the notion

Implies a deeper and more thoughtful consideration than simply "entertaining".

explore the possibility

Highlights the investigation of whether something could happen or be true.

consider the prospect

Similar to considering the idea, but often used when the idea relates to a future event or outcome.

give thought to

A more general term for thinking about something, not necessarily implying acceptance or enjoyment.

ponder the concept

Emphasizes a reflective and thoughtful consideration of a concept.

reflect on the idea

Suggests a thoughtful review or meditation on the idea.

consider the suggestion

More specific, implying that someone has proposed something.

be open to the idea

Focuses on willingness to accept or consider something new or different.

accommodate the thought

Implies making space or adjusting one's thinking to include the thought.

FAQs

How can I use "entertain the thought" in a sentence?

You can use "entertain the thought" to suggest considering an idea, even if it seems unlikely or undesirable. For example: "Let's at least "entertain the thought" of relocating our office to reduce costs."

What does it mean to "entertain the thought"?

To "entertain the thought" means to consider an idea, suggestion, or possibility, often one that you might not initially accept or believe. It implies a willingness to explore the idea without necessarily committing to it.

What are some alternatives to "entertain the thought"?

Some alternatives include "consider the idea", "contemplate the notion", or "explore the possibility", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "entertain the thought" formal or informal?

"Entertain the thought" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might prefer alternatives like "consider the idea" or "examine the concept".