given serious thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "given serious thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something which has been studied carefully and thought about extensively. For example: "I have given serious thought to my decision and I believe that it is the right choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Not many people have given serious thought to these questions.

The New York Times - Magazine

Have you given serious thought to what these steps mean?

The New York Times

"But it's not something I've given serious thought to".

The Guardian

But he sounded to me as if he really had given serious thought to his vote.

The New York Times

Mr. Green said the show had previously given serious thought to former Vice President Dan Quayle.

The New York Times - Arts

Wenger had given serious thought last summer to bringing back the midfielder Patrick Vieira from Internazionale.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Mr. Newick began giving serious thought to design in the late 1950s.

The New York Times - Sports

[Gives serious thought to the matter] I'd like to meet god.

The Guardian - Sport

It is time we gave serious thought to the horizontal versus the vertical.

The New York Times - Magazine

As it happens, New Orleans is about to give serious thought to hurricanes.

The New York Times

But other top Florida Republicans say she is giving serious thought to running for Congress.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "given serious thought", ensure the context clearly indicates who is doing the thinking and what they are considering. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "given serious thought" when a topic has only been casually considered. Use more appropriate phrasing if the consideration was brief or preliminary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given serious thought" functions as a past participle phrase, often used in passive voice constructions. It indicates that a subject has been carefully and thoroughly considered. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "given serious thought" is a versatile phrase indicating that something has been carefully and thoroughly considered. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news, academic, and scientific contexts. Its neutrality makes it suitable for professional and formal communications. Remember to ensure the context clearly identifies who is doing the thinking and avoid using the phrase when the consideration was only casual. Consider alternatives such as "thoroughly considered" or "carefully deliberated" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thoroughly considered

Focuses on the completeness and depth of the consideration.

carefully deliberated

Emphasizes the cautious and thoughtful nature of the decision-making process.

deeply contemplated

Highlights the profound and introspective aspect of the thinking.

pondered extensively

Stresses the duration and intensity of the thought process.

reflected upon intently

Suggests a focused and deliberate reflection on the subject.

assessed thoughtfully

Highlights the evaluation and judgment aspect of the consideration.

scrutinized closely

Focuses on detailed and critical examination.

weighed carefully

Implies a balancing of different factors or options.

examined rigorously

Emphasizes the thoroughness and strictness of the examination.

considered at length

Highlights the extended period of time spent in consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "given serious thought" in a sentence?

You can use "given serious thought" to indicate that someone has carefully considered a particular issue or decision, for example: "The committee has "given serious thought" to the proposed changes.".

What are some alternatives to "given serious thought"?

Alternatives include "thoroughly considered", "carefully deliberated", or "deeply contemplated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "give serious thought" instead of "given serious thought"?

The correct form depends on the context. "Give serious thought" is used in the imperative or infinitive form, while "given serious thought" is used as a past participle or in passive constructions.

What's the difference between "given serious thought" and "given serious consideration"?

While similar, "given serious thought" emphasizes the mental process of thinking, whereas "given serious consideration" highlights the act of weighing different factors and options. Both are often interchangeable.