fleeting thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

"fleeting thoughts" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to brief or passing thoughts that come and go quickly in a person's mind. Example: As she stared out the window, her mind filled with fleeting thoughts about her future and all the possibilities that lay ahead.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

I have experienced fleeting thoughts about the disappearance of forests most of my adult life.

The New Yorker

Fleeting thoughts, some of them ridiculously humdrum, inevitably pass through your mind as you listen.

The New York Times - Arts

Watching this work was like seeing fleeting thoughts made briefly visible.

The New York Times - Arts

Connect, maybe, but that seems ambitious; we'll settle for a place where we can put weird, fleeting thoughts.

The New Yorker

Drawing, though busily abundant, feels incidental, like fleeting thoughts of a mind in the grip of an extreme emotion.

The New Yorker

Recognize these limiting beliefs for what they are: fleeting thoughts that are your mind's attempt at self-protection.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

I remember, while doing the cocaine, having a fleeting thought about feeling pain the next day, but I thought it would be because of the drugs and not because I would spend my evening fucking up my back to the point that it now hurts to get up.

Vice

They could not figure it out and thought something must be wrong". It was more than a fleeting thought, of course.

Los Angeles Times

But it's a fleeting thought.

The Guardian - Opinion

But when Mr. Trump declared his White House bid last year, this campaign was no fleeting thought.

The New York Times

He talked about it too much for it to have been just a fleeting thought.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fleeting thoughts" to describe momentary ideas or considerations that don't necessarily merit deep analysis or prolonged attention. This adds nuance when you want to portray a character's internal state or acknowledge a brief consideration of an idea.

Common error

Avoid confusing "fleeting thoughts" with "fleeing thoughts". "Fleeting" describes something that passes quickly, while "fleeing" suggests thoughts are actively running away from something. Using "fleeing" incorrectly can drastically alter the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fleeting thoughts" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'fleeting' modifies 'thoughts'. As Ludwig AI points out, it describes thoughts that are brief or passing. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in describing momentary considerations or ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fleeting thoughts" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes brief, passing ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is frequently encountered in news and media, as well as academic contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When writing, it’s useful for describing momentary ideas that don't require in-depth analysis. Alternatives like "transient ideas" or "passing notions" can provide similar meanings. However, it is important to avoid confusing "fleeting" with "fleeing", to ensure the accuracy of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passing notions

Highlights how the thoughts briefly cross one's mind.

transient ideas

Emphasizes the temporary nature and short duration of the ideas.

passing mental images

Illustrates that thoughts appear quickly then disappear.

brief reflections

Focuses on the momentary and quick nature of the reflections.

momentary considerations

Stresses the very short time frame during which something is considered.

fleeting glimpses of thought

Adds a visual aspect, suggesting a quick, indistinct view into someone's mind.

quick mental images

Highlights the imagery aspect and the speed with which the images appear.

ephemeral musings

Emphasizes the short-lived and almost dreamlike quality of the thoughts.

temporary mental impressions

Underscores the impermanence and subjective nature of the thoughts.

surface-level thoughts

Highlights lack of deep exploration of the topic

FAQs

How can I effectively use "fleeting thoughts" in a sentence?

Use "fleeting thoughts" to describe brief, passing ideas or considerations. For example, "She had "fleeting thoughts" of quitting her job, but quickly dismissed them".

What are some alternatives to using "fleeting thoughts"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "transient ideas", "passing notions", or "brief reflections".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a fleeting thought"?

Yes, "a fleeting thought" is grammatically correct. It refers to a single, short-lived idea. The plural form, "fleeting thoughts", simply refers to multiple such ideas.

What is the difference between "fleeting thoughts" and "obsessive thoughts"?

"Fleeting thoughts" are brief and pass quickly, while obsessive thoughts are persistent, repetitive, and often unwanted. The former are transient, while the latter are recurring and can be distressing.