fleeting notions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fleeting notions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe thoughts or ideas that are temporary or quickly passing. Example: "As I sat in the quiet room, I found myself lost in fleeting notions of what could have been."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

His Creation Museum, in Petersburg, Ky., contrasts "God's Word," timeless and eternal, with the fleeting notions of "human reason".

The New York Times

And while most of us are prone to having fleeting notions that would qualify as inappropriate, in the mind of someone with O.C.D., they are more likely to lodge themselves and repeat.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But that was a fleeting notion.

The New York Times - Sports

He had been there and worked at that, giving him more than a fleeting notion of what it was going to take to change the population's mind in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The New Yorker

Aren't the hurdles to obtaining an impulse-buy handgun a buffer between the fleeting notion (and temporary desire) to harm another human being and an actual violent crime?

TechCrunch

If you're anything like me — and let's face it, you're reading CrunchGear, so chances are high that you are — you had more than a fleeting notion to buy one of those pet collar cameras to use for yourself, rather than your pet.

TechCrunch

Any NFL owner who has even the fleeting notion of outsourcing the game should have to forfeit his NFL credential immediately.

Huffington Post

What I've come to find is that the most beautiful person is often the most fragile, because their sense of self worth is dependent on a fleeting notion requiring constant affirmation.

Huffington Post

The sweets are brought in from the Candy Bar in nearby Waldwick, and they make only fleeting concessions to the notion that sushi originated in Japan.

The New York Times

However, when it comes to evoking the notion of fleeting, spontaneously bursting bubbles of pure joy, Dior's newest pillar fragrance definitely passes the sniff test.

Los Angeles Times

We live in a world filled with greed, anger and depression where contentment seems to be a fleeting and far-fetched notion.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fleeting notions" to describe thoughts or ideas that are temporary and not fully formed, often occurring spontaneously or without deep consideration. For example: "During the meditation session, I had several fleeting notions about my upcoming vacation."

Common error

Avoid using "fleeting notions" to describe well-developed or deeply considered ideas. This phrase is best suited for describing transient, superficial thoughts rather than substantial concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fleeting notions" functions as a descriptive phrase. It typically acts as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or following a preposition. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing transient thoughts or ideas.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fleeting notions" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe temporary or transient thoughts and ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples show its frequent use in news and media contexts. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys the ephemeral nature of certain thoughts. For alternatives, consider "passing thoughts" or "transient ideas". Remember to use it to describe brief, superficial thoughts rather than well-developed ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting thoughts

Direct synonym; maintains the original meaning with a slight variation in wording.

passing thoughts

Replaces "notions" with "thoughts", emphasizing the mental aspect of the fleeting nature.

transient ideas

Uses "transient" instead of "fleeting", highlighting the temporary nature of the ideas.

brief thoughts

Emphasizes the short duration of the thoughts.

ephemeral ideas

Replaces "fleeting" with "ephemeral", suggesting a more delicate and transient quality.

momentary thoughts

Focuses on the instantaneous and brief existence of the thoughts.

temporary ideas

Highlights the non-permanent nature of the ideas.

passing fancies

Substitutes "notions" with "fancies", suggesting whimsical or fanciful fleeting thoughts.

quick ideas

Highlights the speed at which ideas come and go.

short-lived ideas

Emphasizes the brief duration of the ideas' existence.

FAQs

How can I use "fleeting notions" in a sentence?

You can use "fleeting notions" to describe thoughts or ideas that are temporary and not fully formed. For example: "As I sat in the quiet room, I found myself lost in "fleeting notions" of what could have been."

What can I say instead of "fleeting notions"?

You can use alternatives like "passing thoughts", "transient ideas", or "brief thoughts" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "fleeting notions" in formal writing?

Yes, "fleeting notions" can be used in formal writing, but ensure it aligns with the tone and context. Alternatives like "transient ideas" might be preferred for a more sophisticated tone.

What is the difference between "fleeting notions" and "persistent thoughts"?

"Fleeting notions" refer to temporary, quickly passing thoughts, while persistent thoughts are recurring and linger in one's mind.