having the same thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having the same thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that two or more people share a similar idea or opinion about something. Example: "During the meeting, it was clear that we were all having the same thought about the need for a new marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I was having the same thought.

The New Yorker

"They don't even have a fooking clue why we're here".Bagehot was having the same thought.

The Economist

I recall having the same thought when I was a teenager but it was freighted with foreboding.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now, in this Nigerian "courtroom," my husband was looking at the machetes having the same thought.

TechCrunch

As the new moms continued experiencing the highs and lows of parenting, they kept having the same thought.

Huffington Post

In August of 2003, every single person present not just us in the office, but the people on the streets, in the stopped taxis, everyone was having the same thought: Oh shit, 9/11 part two.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"We were all having the same thoughts, so we had the big meeting," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Gordie suggests Janet and Kevin get tested for E.S.P. as they have had several instances of having the same thoughts at the same time.

The New Yorker

Personalities only feel fixed because we keep having the same thoughts and taking the same actions over and over.

Huffington Post

When was the last time you were ending your day and thought to yourself, "I didn't accomplish anything today?" I have had the same thought.

Huffington Post

Tillinger had the same thought.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using variations like "sharing an idea" or "thinking alike" for enhanced stylistic variation.

Common error

Avoid using "having the same thought" when a deeper, more intuitive connection is intended. Phrases like "being on the same wavelength" might be more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having the same thought" primarily functions as a verbal phrase expressing a shared cognitive experience. It describes the action of two or more individuals simultaneously arriving at a similar conclusion or idea. Ludwig examples show its use in narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having the same thought" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a shared idea or realization among individuals. Ludwig AI indicates that its use is accurate and acceptable, with its prevalence in news and media highlighting its broad applicability. While less frequent than other expressions, it effectively conveys simultaneous understanding. Alternative phrases like "thinking alike" or "sharing the same idea" can be used for stylistic variation, but "having the same thought" distinctly emphasizes the synchronicity of the mental process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharing the same idea

This phrase highlights the commonality of an idea between individuals, emphasizing the shared concept.

thinking alike

This alternative suggests a general similarity in thinking processes, not necessarily a single, specific thought.

coming to the same conclusion

This emphasizes the shared endpoint of a thought process, rather than the process itself.

seeing eye to eye

This alternative focuses on agreement and shared perspective, particularly in decision-making or opinions.

thinking along similar lines

This indicates that individuals are pursuing similar thought processes, even if not arriving at the exact same conclusion.

being on the same wavelength

This idiom implies a deeper connection and understanding, suggesting an intuitive agreement.

having a meeting of minds

This suggests a convergence of thoughts and ideas, often in a collaborative setting.

being of one mind

This implies complete agreement and unity of thought, often in a collective sense.

resonating with the same idea

This suggests an emotional or intellectual connection to a shared idea, highlighting the personal impact.

thinking in unison

This conveys a sense of coordinated thought, as if individuals are thinking together at the same time.

FAQs

How can I use "having the same thought" in a sentence?

You can use "having the same thought" to describe a shared idea or realization. For example, "We were both "having the same thought" about the potential risks."

What can I say instead of "having the same thought"?

You can use alternatives like "thinking alike", "sharing the same idea", or "being on the same wavelength" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "giving the same thought" instead of "having the same thought"?

While "giving the same thought" might be understandable, it's not as common or idiomatic as ""having the same thought"". The latter is the more conventional and widely accepted phrasing.

What's the difference between "having the same ideas" and "having the same thought"?

"Having the same ideas" implies a broader agreement on multiple concepts, while ""having the same thought"" suggests a singular, specific idea is shared at a particular moment.