external thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "external thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to ideas or considerations that originate outside of one's own mind, often in discussions about philosophy, psychology, or creativity. Example: "In her essay, she explores the concept of external thought and how it influences our decision-making processes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I relish the freedom of all external thought.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

To Mr. Mullins, it is the beginning of a longer-term trend toward blending our external thoughts and the world seamlessly.

The New York Times

You will only see your true self when you are blind to the external thoughts, opinions, expectations and standards of others.

Huffington Post

As the start of each playoff game nears, as the roaring crowd is at its highest pitch, as players put on their proverbial "game faces" and the battle is moments from beginning, all external thoughts get filtered out, and focus is completely, solely on their task ahead.

Huffington Post

This debate concerns, fundamentally, the ontological status of ideas, and how far ideas can guarantee a correspondence to reality external to thought.

SEP

For Cohen, thinking is pure just in case it is independent of any and all influences that are external to thought or reason.

SEP

Plagiarism refers to the act of presenting external words, thoughts, or ideas as one's own, without providing references to the sources from which they were taken.

Information Fusion

The authors speculate that the aPFC may play a role in coordinating the internal and external modes of thought that are necessary for integrating new knowledge from texts with prior knowledge.

NeuroImage

The unity amongst all Strawson's proposals is that the response to scepticism is never the production of a proof or demonstration based on a level of thought external and prior to the discourse in question.

SEP

In our fictions we can show the hidden causes and results of external events – the thoughts, feelings, and intentions that lie forever concealed from the reporter and the historian.

The Guardian - Books

Mindfulness meditation is a way of encouraging you to be aware of your internal and external experience – your thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations, including breathing – that can quieten the mind and relieve tension.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cognitive processes, use "external thought" to specifically denote considerations originating outside an individual's internal reflections.

Common error

Avoid using "external thought" when you actually mean the influence of external factors on thought processes. "External thought" refers to the thought itself, not the influencing factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "external thought" functions as a noun phrase. It refers to ideas, considerations, or cognitive inputs that originate from sources outside of one's own mind. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig show its use in philosophical and psychological contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "external thought" is a noun phrase referring to ideas originating outside one's own mind. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively rare, it appears in contexts like news, science, and encyclopedias, often in discussions requiring analytical precision. When using the phrase, ensure you are referring to the thought itself, and not the external influence on one's thoughts. Alternatives like "outside perspective" or "external consideration" may be more suitable depending on the specific context. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "external thought" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

external consideration

Changes the noun from "thought" to "consideration", focusing on the act of considering external factors.

outside perspective

Replaces "thought" with "perspective", emphasizing a viewpoint from an external source.

external viewpoint

Similar to 'outside perspective', but uses 'viewpoint' to highlight a specific angle or position.

external ideas

Replaces "thought" with the broader term "ideas", encompassing a wider range of external concepts.

outside influence

Shifts the focus to the impact of external factors on one's thinking.

external stimulus

Emphasizes the external trigger or cause of a thought or reaction.

environmental cue

Focuses on environmental factors prompting certain behaviors or thoughts.

public opinion

Refers specifically to thoughts held by a larger group or the public.

popular belief

Similar to public opinion but emphasizes widespread acceptance.

prevailing wisdom

Highlights the dominant or accepted thought within a specific context.

FAQs

How can "external thought" influence decision-making?

External thought, referring to ideas originating outside oneself, can broaden perspectives and introduce new information, potentially leading to more informed and balanced decisions. Consider integrating various "outside perspectives" to enhance your decision-making process.

What is the difference between "external thought" and "internal thought"?

"External thought" refers to ideas and considerations coming from outside one's own mind, while internal thought involves one's own reflections, memories, and cognitive processes. Mindfulness involves being aware of both internal thoughts and "external stimuli".

In what contexts is it important to consider "external thought"?

Considering "external thought" is valuable in situations requiring objectivity, such as academic research, strategic planning, and conflict resolution. Relying solely on internal thought can lead to bias and limited perspectives; actively seeking "outside influence" ensures a more well-rounded approach.

Are there situations where I should disregard "external thought"?

While "external thought" is generally valuable, there are situations where it's appropriate to prioritize internal thought, such as when making personal decisions aligned with one's values or during creative endeavors where intuition plays a crucial role. Balance reliance on "public opinion" with self-reflection.