incomplete thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incomplete thoughts" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a phrase or sentence that doesn't convey a complete thought. For example, "I never knew, of all the incomplete thoughts that have crossed my mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

You're dashing off incomplete thoughts.

Harvard Business Review

In cinema, Woody Allen writes pitch-perfect dialogue, with all the verbal tics, incomplete thoughts and ellipses of human speech written down on the... um... the-the p-page (although almost every character in a Woody Allen film speaks like a version of Woody Allen).

The Guardian - Books

Today, Medium is turning the tables and moving into Tumblr's territory instead with a series of changes that encourage writers to share stories of any length – even shorter posts and incomplete thoughts.

TechCrunch

Heyes addresses the exclusionary processes of identity politics by returning to Foucault's incomplete thoughts on care of the self, arguing that attentiveness to the body and its capacities to resist norms opens possibilities for new forms of becoming (McWhorter 1999; Heyes 2007).

SEP

Even if the essays are unfinished, they're in keeping with her belief that notebooks ― even if plumb with incomplete thoughts ― are valuable.

HuffPost

Even if the essays are unfinished, they're in keeping with her belief that notebooks ― even if plumb with incomplete thoughts ― are valuable. .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It's also possibly why the Messages product currently feels so awkward — because it remains as an incomplete thought until the later stages of the product materialize.

TechCrunch

A coach who practices mindfulness doesn't make things worse Non-reactivity on the part of the coach gives the person being coached room to roam from perspective to perspective, from one incomplete thought to another until they begin to become whole thoughts and the basis for growth.

Forbes

" Once again, an incomplete thought that needs no completion.

Los Angeles Times

Insisting that all children be born, but not that all children be adequately nurtured and nourished, is an incomplete thought process.

Los Angeles Times

Why can't we post reflections, incomplete and contradictory thoughts for feedback, discussion, and even new and different perspectives?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "incomplete thoughts" in your writing, ensure the context clarifies why the thoughts are incomplete. Provide additional information or examples to illustrate their unfinished nature.

Common error

Avoid using "incomplete thoughts" as a vague criticism. Instead, specify which aspects of the thoughts are lacking or underdeveloped to provide more constructive feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incomplete thoughts" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI illustrates, this phrase refers to ideas or concepts that are not fully developed or lack essential components.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incomplete thoughts" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe ideas or concepts that are not fully formed or lack crucial details. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression in written English. While the phrase isn't exceedingly common, appearing with "Uncommon" frequency, it shows up in a range of sources, from news and media outlets to academic and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the nature of the incompleteness and, when offering critique, provide specific insights rather than simply labeling the thoughts as "incomplete".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfinished ideas

Focuses on the state of being not fully developed or finalized.

fragmentary thoughts

Emphasizes the disjointed and disconnected nature of the thoughts.

partial thoughts

Highlights the incompleteness and lack of wholeness.

sketchy notions

Suggests an underdeveloped and vague quality of the thoughts.

half-formed ideas

Indicates thoughts that are only partially developed.

unresolved thoughts

Emphasizes the lack of a clear conclusion or resolution.

inconclusive musings

Highlights the lack of a definite outcome or decision.

fleeting thoughts

Focuses on the transient and temporary nature of the thoughts.

vague concepts

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and precision.

rudimentary ideas

Indicates basic or initial stage of thoughts.

FAQs

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

You can use "incomplete thoughts" to describe ideas or concepts that are not fully formed or lack crucial details. For example, "The presentation was filled with "incomplete thoughts" that left the audience confused."

What are some alternatives to saying "incomplete thoughts"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives like "unfinished ideas", "fragmentary thoughts", or "partial thoughts".

Is it grammatically correct to use "incomplete thoughts"?

Yes, "incomplete thoughts" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that can be used to describe ideas or concepts that are not fully developed.

What is the difference between "incomplete thoughts" and "unclear thoughts"?

"Incomplete thoughts" refers to ideas that are lacking essential information or details, while "unclear thoughts" refers to ideas that are confusing or difficult to understand, even if they are complete. You can say "unclear thoughts" when something is not understandable.