flood of thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

'flood of thoughts' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a sudden rush of ideas or thoughts rushing through one's mind, usually in an overwhelming manner. For example, "My mind was so overwhelmed by the flood of thoughts that I couldn't focus on anything else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

| Updated For me, like anyone either physically close to the Sept. 11 attacks or linked to them by losses of loved ones or friends, the anniversary elicits a flood of thoughts and feelings.

The New York Times

A flood of thoughts went through my head instantly.

Huffington Post

It brings an entire lifestyle of its own, along with a constant flood of thoughts and feelings.

HuffPost

The important thing is that I can see it now and I want to share my thoughts with other new mothers who may be going through the same tumultuous flood of thoughts and emotions.

HuffPost

There's been so much written over the past 48 hours about the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia that I feel as if we are suffering from a flood of thoughts and opinions.

Huffington Post

There's the initial flood of thoughts, worries and regrets, rolling in an out in chaos, finally assembling into some horrific excuse for a to-do list: accepting this new reality, fighting the urge to shower, fearing retaliation, calling the police, finding the assailant, enduring trial and possibly having to decide how to handle an unwanted pregnancy.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"All the secret sewers of vice are canalized in its flood of unimaginable thoughts, images, and pornographic words.

The New Yorker

The first step to managing your anxiety ― which Cummins said can manifest as a fast heartbeat, sweaty palms, tightness in your chest, difficulty concentrating or a flood of negative thoughts ― is uncovering its cause.

HuffPost

As Levitin put it, "It's a flood of different thoughts that feel unconnected and loose". It's in this mode where almost all of our creativity happens, and where we're able to come up with innovative solutions to problems.

HuffPost

It comes on in a flood of little thought units, some more narrative, some more clipped, altogether faster than you are, like: "What they didn't want you to see.

Vice

"Really?!" I asked myself as a myriad of thoughts flooded my brain.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flood of thoughts" to vividly describe a situation where someone is experiencing a sudden and overwhelming influx of ideas, memories, or concerns.

Common error

Avoid using "flood of thoughts" when you simply want to convey that someone is thinking deeply or analytically. This phrase implies a somewhat chaotic and uncontrolled mental state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flood of thoughts" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of mind characterized by a rapid and overwhelming influx of ideas or reflections. Ludwig confirms the phrase as correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flood of thoughts" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a mental state characterized by a rapid and overwhelming influx of ideas. Ludwig confirms its usability in English. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, but is also seen in scientific and wiki environments. While it can be used in formal writing, it's important to consider the tone and context. Alternative phrases include "rush of ideas", "deluge of thoughts", and "stream of consciousness". When using this phrase, ensure you are accurately conveying a sense of being overwhelmed, rather than simply indicating deep thinking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deluge of thoughts

Uses a synonym for flood, maintaining a strong sense of being overwhelmed, like "flood of thoughts".

rush of ideas

Emphasizes the speed and suddenness of the thoughts, similar to "flood of thoughts".

torrent of ideas

Uses a different water-related metaphor, maintaining the sense of an overwhelming flow, similar to "flood of thoughts".

overwhelmed with thoughts

Directly states the feeling of being overburdened by thoughts, similar to the effect of a "flood of thoughts".

stream of consciousness

Focuses on the continuous and flowing nature of thoughts, like "flood of thoughts", but may imply a more connected sequence.

barrage of ideas

Highlights the forceful and overwhelming nature of thoughts, similar to a "flood of thoughts".

onslaught of thoughts

Implies a more aggressive and forceful arrival of thoughts, akin to "flood of thoughts" in its intensity.

avalanche of thoughts

Conveys a sudden and overwhelming rush of ideas, similar to "flood of thoughts", but emphasizing the potential for chaos.

mental inundation

Uses a more formal term for being overwhelmed with thoughts, similar to the impact of "flood of thoughts".

mind racing

Captures the feeling of thoughts moving rapidly and uncontrollably, a key aspect of experiencing a "flood of thoughts".

FAQs

How can I describe a rapid succession of ideas?

You can use the phrase "flood of thoughts", which is a metaphor for a sudden and overwhelming rush of ideas. Alternatives include "rush of ideas" or "stream of consciousness".

Is it appropriate to use "flood of thoughts" in formal writing?

Yes, "flood of thoughts" is acceptable in formal writing, but consider the tone and context. Alternatives such as "mental inundation" may be more suitable for highly academic or scientific contexts.

What's the difference between "flood of thoughts" and "overthinking"?

"Flood of thoughts" describes a sudden influx of ideas, while "overthinking" implies prolonged and often unproductive rumination. While both can be related, they describe different aspects of mental activity.

What can I say instead of "flood of thoughts" to emphasize a negative or anxious feeling?

Consider using alternatives like "onslaught of thoughts" or "avalanche of thoughts" to highlight the overwhelming and potentially distressing nature of the mental experience.