extraneous thought

USAGE SUMMARY

Extraneous thought is correct and can be used in written English to refer to a thought or idea that is not related to the current topic of discussion.
For example, "I was discussing the geopolitical repercussions of the trade deal, when an extraneous thought about my vacation popped into my head."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Nicotine has antidepressant effects and, for people with schizophrenia, helps dampen extraneous thoughts and voices, she and other experts said.

The New York Times - Health

Some researchers hypothesize that the caudate is part of a subcortical circuit that acts as a kind of filter, sifting out extraneous thoughts and impulses.

The New York Times - Health

For Watson, doing everything in his abilities to perform and then some entailed trusting his swing and playing instinctively rather than complicating the game by cluttering his mind with extraneous thoughts.

The New York Times - Sports

This is not a fact a reviewer should readily admit to, I know, particularly when talking about a book that is something of a page turner, but I think it is only fair to confess to the extraneous thoughts that kept buzzing around in my brain.

The New York Times - Books

Extraneous thoughts arise and disperse.

Huffington Post

My mind started clearing out extraneous thoughts, and by the end, I had the feeling of "turning to myself".

Vice

Each time I stepped on the carpet, I cleared my head of extraneous thoughts and previous experiences.

Huffington Post

When you're focused on these two things in tandem, there's little room left for extraneous thoughts.

Huffington Post

Extraneous bad thought: were the whorls of toe prints unique, like those of fingerprints?

The New Yorker

"You don't want a lot of extraneous, negative thoughts to go through your mind.

The New York Times

He didn't know how long he'd knelt on the grass having extraneous and postponable thoughts, but he feared that it was a lot more time than it had felt like.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, use "extraneous thoughts" to reflect a character's internal monologue or stream of consciousness, adding depth and realism to their portrayal.

Common error

Avoid using "extraneous" when you mean something is essential or inherent. "Extraneous" means irrelevant or unnecessary, the opposite of intrinsic. For example, don't say "The extraneous details are crucial"; instead, use 'essential' or 'intrinsic'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extraneous thought" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "extraneous" modifies the noun "thought". It is typically used to describe a thought that is irrelevant or unrelated to the current context or focus. As Ludwig AI says, it is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "extraneous thought" denotes a thought that is irrelevant or unrelated to the current subject or task. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It's categorized as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, and it serves to identify thoughts that divert focus. While it appears most frequently in news and media sources, it's appropriate for a range of contexts, maintaining a neutral register. The phrase emphasizes the importance of staying focused by filtering out unnecessary distractions. Using synonyms such as "irrelevant idea" or "distracting thought" can offer alternative ways to express this concept. Remember to differentiate "extraneous" from "intrinsic" to ensure accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irrelevant idea

Focuses on the lack of relevance of the idea, highlighting its disconnect from the current context.

unnecessary thought

Emphasizes the lack of need for the thought, suggesting it's superfluous.

distracting thought

Highlights the thought's ability to divert attention from the primary focus.

intrusive thought

Focuses on the unwelcome and disruptive nature of the thought.

tangential idea

Indicates that the idea is only slightly related or connected to the main topic.

peripheral thought

Suggests that the thought exists on the edge of one's awareness or is not central.

superfluous idea

Highlights the excessiveness and non-essential nature of the idea.

unrelated thought

Emphasizes the lack of any connection between the thought and the current topic.

extraneous consideration

Shifts focus to the act of considering something irrelevant, rather than the thought itself.

gratuitous idea

Highlights that the idea is uncalled for, potentially inappropriate.

FAQs

How can I effectively eliminate "extraneous thoughts" during focused work?

Techniques such as meditation, mindfulness exercises, and creating a distraction-free environment can help minimize "extraneous thoughts" and improve concentration.

What is the difference between an "intrusive thought" and an "extraneous thought"?

While both are unwanted, an "intrusive thought" is typically distressing and unwanted, often causing anxiety. An "extraneous thought" is simply irrelevant or unrelated to the current task or focus.

In what situations is it beneficial to explore "extraneous thoughts"?

Exploring "extraneous thoughts" can be useful in brainstorming sessions, creative problem-solving, and understanding underlying anxieties or concerns.

What are some strategies for preventing "extraneous thoughts" from derailing a presentation?

Prepare a detailed outline, practice the presentation thoroughly, and use visual aids to maintain focus and minimize the chances of "extraneous thoughts" disrupting the flow.