imprecise thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imprecise thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a way of thinking that lacks clarity or precision, often in discussions about reasoning or decision-making. Example: "His imprecise thought on the matter led to several misunderstandings during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Lazy, imprecise thought is a bore.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The economic interest statements are an imprecise gauge of wealth.

Los Angeles Times

The process is at once precise and very imprecise.

TechCrunch

Their thoughts are imprecise, grandiose in their boldness, and their motivations murky.

Johns Hopkins University

Their big, breezy thoughts made great, but imprecise reading.

The Economist

Some of these ideas sensory images, qualitative "feels" (like pains and pleasures), perceptual data are imprecise qualitative phenomena, being the expression in thought of states of the body as it is affected by the bodies surrounding it.

SEP

Ohashi admits that sentiment analysis is an imprecise science.

TechCrunch

IN the science of attention-getting, imprecise though it may be, there are two schools of thought: the flashy (blinking neon lights, plunging necklines, Damien Hirst) and the ferociously minimalistic (an "Open" sign, a string of pearls, Jasper Johns).

The New York Times

Like many of Kadare's books, it is set in an imprecise past shaded by myth, but lit by the glare of totalitarian thought control.

The New Yorker

Conventional symptoms (e.g., frequent crying, weight loss, thoughts of death) used to assess for depression in these patients may be imprecise because these symptoms are also present in preparatory grief and as a part of the normal dying process.

Stanford University

It's imprecise.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "imprecise thought", ensure you provide context or examples to illustrate the specific lack of precision. This makes your meaning clearer and more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "imprecise thought" as a blanket criticism without specifying what makes the thought imprecise. Instead, pinpoint the specific areas where clarity or accuracy is lacking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imprecise thought" functions as a noun phrase, where "imprecise" modifies the noun "thought". It serves to describe the quality or nature of the thought process being referred to. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imprecise thought" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a lack of clarity or accuracy in thinking. While considered rare, as Ludwig AI indicates, its presence in news, academic, and scientific contexts suggests its utility in critical analysis and evaluation. Alternative phrases such as "vague thinking" or "unclear reasoning" can provide similar meaning depending on the intended nuance. When using "imprecise thought", it's crucial to provide specific examples to strengthen your message and avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vague thinking

Focuses on the lack of clarity and definition in the thought process.

unclear reasoning

Highlights the deficiency in the logical steps taken to reach a conclusion.

fuzzy logic

Implies a thought process where boundaries are not sharply defined.

loose reasoning

Suggests a lack of rigor and stringency in the thinking.

ill-defined ideas

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and precision in the ideas themselves.

careless consideration

Highlights the lack of attention and diligence in the thought process.

hasty generalization

Focuses on drawing broad conclusions from limited evidence.

superficial analysis

Indicates a lack of depth and thoroughness in the examination of a topic.

shallow thinking

Conveys a lack of intellectual depth and substance.

muddled thinking

Suggests confusion and a lack of order in the thought process.

FAQs

How can I use "imprecise thought" in a sentence?

You can use "imprecise thought" to describe reasoning that lacks clarity or precision. For example, "The project failed due to "imprecise thought" during the planning phase."

What are some alternatives to "imprecise thought"?

Alternatives include "vague thinking", "unclear reasoning", or "fuzzy logic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "imprecise thought" a negative term?

Yes, "imprecise thought" typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting a flaw in reasoning or a lack of clarity in thinking. It implies that the thought process is not well-defined or accurate.

What's the difference between "imprecise thought" and "abstract thought"?

"Imprecise thought" refers to a lack of clarity or accuracy, while "abstract thought" refers to thinking about concepts that are not concrete or tied to specific instances. Abstract thought isn't necessarily flawed, while "imprecise thought" usually is.