had conflicting thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had conflicting thoughts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is experiencing mixed feelings or uncertainty about a particular issue or decision. Example: "As she considered the job offer, she had conflicting thoughts about whether to accept it or stay in her current position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I wrote to them to say was interested in their water both as a journalist and as someone who had conflicting thoughts about the very idea of a water market.

The Guardian

The investigators found two notes that they said showed the boy had conflicting thoughts before the shooting.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Many people here appear to have conflicting thoughts.

The New York Times

It is understandable that people have conflicting thoughts about Terri Schiavo and hesitate to take a particular side.

The New York Times

I feel a bit anxious – I'm not 100% sure of what I want to say – and I have conflicting thoughts.

The Guardian

Having conflicting thoughts within the same grey matter endears you to them, as good as equally, as you see the flaws in both their attitudes.

Vice

Confirmation bias is a result of our brains trying to avoid cognitive dissonance, or having two conflicting thoughts.

Forbes

Although I think Ehrenreich identified a genuine problem, I have conflicting feelings about the power of positive thought.

The Guardian

They certainly have conflicting interests.

Wikipedia

Corsell: I have three, possibly conflicting, thoughts on this.

Forbes

But even comedies have conflicts.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had conflicting thoughts" to convey a nuanced understanding of a character's or person's internal state, revealing their inner struggle or uncertainty. It's effective when portraying complex decision-making processes.

Common error

Avoid using "had conflicting thoughts" as a placeholder for deeper exploration of the specific conflicting thoughts. Instead, elaborate on the nature of the conflict for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had conflicting thoughts" functions as a description of a mental state, indicating the presence of internal discord or ambivalence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It describes a situation where an individual is grappling with opposing ideas or feelings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had conflicting thoughts" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for describing internal conflict or ambivalence, as validated by Ludwig AI. While not extremely frequent, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. The phrase functions to convey internal discord and is suitable for neutral contexts, revealing a character's or person's complex mental state. Consider alternatives like "felt ambivalent" or "was of two minds" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had mixed feelings

General term for experiencing both positive and negative emotions simultaneously.

felt ambivalent

Focuses on the presence of mixed or contradictory feelings about something.

was of two minds

Emphasizes indecision and uncertainty, weighing different options.

felt torn

Highlights the emotional distress of choosing between conflicting options.

struggled with indecision

Focuses on the difficulty and effort involved in making a choice.

was uncertain

Highlights the lack of clarity and confidence in a decision.

grappled with conflicting ideas

Emphasizes internal struggle and intellectual engagement with opposing concepts.

held opposing viewpoints

Emphasizes the presence of contradictory opinions or perspectives.

experienced cognitive dissonance

More formal term describing the discomfort of holding conflicting beliefs.

was in a quandary

Highlights a state of perplexity or doubt over what to do in a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "had conflicting thoughts" in a sentence?

You can use "had conflicting thoughts" to describe someone experiencing internal disagreement or uncertainty, such as, "She "had conflicting thoughts" about accepting the new job, as it offered both excitement and risk".

What are some alternatives to "had conflicting thoughts"?

Alternatives include "felt ambivalent", "was of two minds", or "had mixed feelings", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "had conflicting thoughts" or "experienced cognitive dissonance"?

"Had conflicting thoughts" is more general, while "experienced cognitive dissonance" implies a specific psychological discomfort arising from conflicting beliefs or values. Choose the phrase that best fits the context and level of formality.

What does it mean to "have conflicting thoughts"?

To "have conflicting thoughts" means to simultaneously entertain ideas or beliefs that contradict each other, leading to internal tension or difficulty in making a decision.