evil thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "evil thoughts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe negative or malevolent ideas or intentions that someone may have. Example: "He was haunted by evil thoughts that clouded his judgment and led him down a dark path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

I thought evil thoughts about San Francisco — that it was a city without a purpose, an idle bonbon to please the rich.

The New York Times

I'd have wicked thoughts, evil thoughts".

The Guardian

"I didn't think any evil thoughts.

The New York Times - Style

I had some pretty evil thoughts in the week.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is but our own fraud which frightens us", wrote Cicero; "it is our own evil thoughts which madden us".

The Economist

Matters are resolved in a devastating final section inside an old curiosity shop in which Alexander is shown "the swift way that evil thoughts can go".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The thought of this gentle intelligence falling sixteen floors in the windy darkness is an evil thought.

The New Yorker

He looks as if he's having an evil thought right now, I prod at one point.

The Guardian - Film

Zurvanism also developed theosophic characteristics (involving mystical insights), such as that which discerned the ambivalence of Zurvān namely, that although an evil element (an evil thought or spiritual corruption) has always existed within him, he nonetheless, so it seems, eliminates the evil by expressing it and is thus worthy to be identified with the supreme divinity (Yazdān).

Britannica

The very fact of pulling off "Boyhood" deserves praise, but the movie's absurd sentimentalization of childhood and adolescence, its vision of a boy and teen without a spark of ferocity, without an evil thought, without energies to tame or impulses to master — without any wildness at heart — could satisfy the old studio system.

The New Yorker

Its first verse teaches that a person is made up of the sum of his thoughts: "If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him, as the wheel follows the foot of the ox that draws the carriage". The most basic principles of Buddhist morality are expressed in five precepts, which monks are obliged - and laymen encouraged - to follow.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "evil thoughts", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "malicious thoughts" or "wicked thoughts" can offer a more precise shade of meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "evil thoughts" in contexts where a milder term would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound melodramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "evil thoughts" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "evil" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "thoughts". Ludwig confirms its usability, indicating its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

18%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "evil thoughts" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English. Ludwig confirms its correctness. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, from news and media to academic and encyclopedic sources. The phrase effectively describes negative or malevolent ideas, but writers should consider nuances conveyed by synonyms like "malicious thoughts" or "wicked thoughts" to ensure precise communication. Avoid overuse in casual contexts to maintain appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

malicious thoughts

Replaces "evil" with "malicious", suggesting a more deliberate intent to harm.

wicked thoughts

Substitutes "evil" with "wicked", implying a playful or mischievous sense of wrongdoing.

malevolent thoughts

Replaces "evil" with "malevolent", emphasizing a deep-seated desire to cause harm.

sinister thoughts

Uses "sinister" instead of "evil", suggesting a sense of foreboding or impending doom.

dark thoughts

Replaces "evil" with "dark", focusing on the negative and unsettling nature of the thoughts.

corrupt thoughts

Suggests the thoughts are tainted or morally impure.

depraved thoughts

Implies a severe moral degradation in the thoughts.

unholy thoughts

Replaces "evil" with "unholy", evoking a sense of religious transgression.

nefarious thoughts

Emphasizes the extreme wickedness and villainy of the thoughts.

vile thoughts

Highlights the disgusting and repulsive nature of the thoughts.

FAQs

What does "evil thoughts" mean?

The phrase "evil thoughts" refers to malevolent, wicked, or morally wrong ideas that someone is contemplating. It suggests thoughts that are harmful or intended to cause harm.

How can I use "evil thoughts" in a sentence?

You can use "evil thoughts" to describe someone's internal state or the nature of their intentions. For example: "He struggled to suppress the "evil thoughts" that plagued him."

What are some synonyms for "evil thoughts"?

Alternatives to "evil thoughts" include "malicious thoughts", "wicked thoughts", or "malevolent thoughts". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "evil thoughts" in formal writing?

Yes, "evil thoughts" is acceptable in formal writing, but consider whether a more precise or nuanced term might be more appropriate depending on the context and tone of your writing. Using synonyms may help add clarity and sophistication.