imaginative thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

"imaginative thinking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the ability to come up with creative ideas or solutions. For example: "We need to encourage imaginative thinking to come up with innovative solutions to solve the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They were trying to re-imagine their role in the future and they wanted me to foster imaginative thinking.

Vice

But it may just be that those programmers need to be more imaginative, thinking outside traditional ways and structures.

The Guardian

"I also think there are better ways to promote imaginative thinking".

Huffington Post

But imaginative thinking is sorely needed.

The Economist

To address this requires some imaginative thinking.

The Guardian

This activity requires serious imaginative thinking - so be prepared.

Independent

Those are some good opportunities for imaginative thinking.

The New York Times

Mr Hu had distinguished himself not for his imaginative thinking, but for his loyalty.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Polymorphous, paranoiac, confused, yet intensely imaginative, the thinking layer of Earth that is largely the unexpected product of animal consciousness, may now be in its most impressionable stage".

Huffington Post

Mr. Sturz, who spoke in his office at Mr. Soros's foundation, the Open Society Institute, in Manhattan, was at a loss only when asked what had shaped his restless, imaginative and compassionate thinking.

The New York Times

He felt this was someone who absolutely got it and who was imaginative and was thinking all the time, within the boundary of the UN mandate, about how to shove things forward.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "imaginative thinking" when you want to emphasize the creative and innovative aspect of a thought process, especially when generating new ideas or solutions.

Common error

Avoid using "imaginative thinking" as a substitute for practical problem-solving. While creativity is valuable, ensure that ideas are also grounded in reality and feasibility.

Linguistic Context

Imaginative thinking functions as a noun phrase that describes a cognitive process. It refers to the act of generating new ideas, concepts, or solutions through the use of imagination. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imaginative thinking" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that refers to the process of generating novel ideas and solutions through imagination. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Science contexts. To promote effective communication, it's important to use the phrase when highlighting the creative aspect of thought, and to avoid confusing it with purely practical considerations. Related phrases include "creative thought" and "innovative mindset". The phrase is suitable for various registers, but always ensure its appropriateness based on the surrounding content and intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creative thought

Emphasizes the originality and inventiveness of the thought process.

innovative mindset

Focuses on a mental attitude geared towards innovation.

visionary perspective

Highlights the ability to see beyond the present and envision future possibilities.

resourceful ideation

Suggests generating ideas effectively using available resources.

ingenious conception

Emphasizes cleverness and originality in the formation of ideas.

inventive reasoning

Focuses on using reason to come up with new and original solutions.

original contemplation

Highlights the uniqueness and depth of thought.

inspired insight

Suggests a sudden, brilliant understanding or idea.

forward-thinking

Emphasizes a focus on the future and progress.

out-of-the-box thinking

Indicates unconventional and creative approaches to problem-solving.

FAQs

How can I use "imaginative thinking" in a sentence?

"Imaginative thinking" can be used to describe a creative process, as in, "The project requires "imaginative thinking" to develop a novel solution."

What are some synonyms for "imaginative thinking"?

Alternatives to "imaginative thinking" include "creative thought", "innovative mindset", or "visionary perspective", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "imaginative thinking" formal or informal?

"Imaginative thinking" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What is the difference between "imaginative thinking" and "daydreaming"?

While both involve mental imagery, "imaginative thinking" is typically directed towards a specific goal or problem, while daydreaming is often undirected and spontaneous.