heavy thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heavy thoughts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe deep or serious contemplation, often associated with feelings of worry or concern. Example: "As she sat by the window, her mind was filled with heavy thoughts about the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But those are heavy thoughts.

The New York Times

It seems worse, though, for her to carry these heavy thoughts over into sleep.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Discord and heavy thoughts, according to custom, can wait until after the Lunar New Year.

The New York Times

Therefore, he sometimes gives himself permission just to enjoy his score, fall into its arms, rather than have a lot of heavy thoughts about it.

The New Yorker

KRISTA TIPPETT So I had actually done body scan meditation years and years ago, probably before I had all these heavy thoughts (laughs).

University of California, Berkeley

The heavy thoughts would start growing in her head, each concern rising up next to the other, with some strange Jiffy-Pop effect.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

In the theatre, Shakespeare rewards quick, light delivery, while the camera needs slow, heavy thought.

The Guardian

Asked if he planned to continue his boxing career, Golota said: "I will have to give heavy thought about it.

The New York Times - Sports

There were also beautifully naïve cotton blouses with the texture of papery silk, and floating dresses in a black-and-white dot print with a khaki hem that, again, felt free of heavy thought.

The New York Times

The other day I found my 80-year old father sitting in the midday sun with a look of deep sadness and heavy thought on his face.

Los Angeles Times

That's a heavy thought, I know, but we did, indeed, set about making this movie and giving it everything we got, with an attitude that said loud and clear: "Take no prisoners!" The film is now completed and we left our world premiere at the Venice Film Festival with two of its prizes!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heavy thoughts" to accurately convey a sense of burden or emotional weight associated with one's reflections. This phrase is suitable when the thoughts are not merely serious but also emotionally taxing.

Common error

Avoid using "heavy thoughts" when describing simple or trivial considerations. Reserve this phrase for scenarios where the thoughts genuinely involve significant emotional or intellectual weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavy thoughts" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "heavy" modifies the noun "thoughts". It typically describes the nature or quality of the thoughts, indicating they are serious, burdensome, or emotionally weighty, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

21%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heavy thoughts" is a commonly used phrase to describe serious, burdensome, or emotionally weighty reflections. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, especially in news media and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the thoughts genuinely involve significant emotional or intellectual weight, avoiding overuse in light contexts. Consider alternatives like "burdensome thoughts" or "weighty reflections" to convey slight nuances in meaning. By understanding its appropriate usage and potential alternatives, you can effectively communicate the gravity of one's contemplations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burdensome thoughts

Replaces "heavy" with "burdensome", emphasizing the oppressive nature of the thoughts.

weighty reflections

Substitutes both words to highlight the importance and seriousness of the thoughts.

serious contemplations

Emphasizes the depth and importance of the thinking process.

troubled musings

Highlights the distress or worry associated with the thoughts.

worrisome reflections

Focuses on the anxiety and concern caused by the thoughts.

grave thoughts

Indicates that the thoughts are serious and possibly concerning.

oppressive thoughts

Highlights the feeling of being weighed down by negative thoughts.

deep concerns

Focuses on the profound nature of the worries.

anxious ponderings

Emphasizes the state of anxiousness combined with deep thinking.

sober reflections

Suggests serious and thoughtful consideration, often in a solemn context.

FAQs

How can I use "heavy thoughts" in a sentence?

You can use "heavy thoughts" to describe deep or serious contemplation, often associated with feelings of worry or concern. For example: "As she sat by the window, her mind was filled with heavy thoughts about the future".

What are some alternatives to "heavy thoughts"?

Alternatives include "burdensome thoughts", "weighty reflections", or "serious contemplations", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "heavy thoughts"?

It's best to use "heavy thoughts" when the thoughts are genuinely significant and carry emotional or intellectual weight. Avoid using it in trivial or lighthearted contexts.

Is there a difference between "heavy thoughts" and "deep thoughts"?

While both describe serious thinking, "heavy thoughts" often imply a sense of burden or emotional distress, whereas "deep thoughts" simply suggest profound contemplation without necessarily implying emotional weight. You might have "deep thoughts" on philosophy, but "heavy thoughts" about a personal crisis.