instance of thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instance of thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific moment or occurrence of thinking or contemplation. Example: "During the meeting, I had an instance of thought that led to a breakthrough idea for our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Thus, in being a mode of thought, an idea is understood as a way of being thought (or a way in which an instance of thought or thinking is manifested).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Finally, how can we distinguish good from bad instances of thought experiments?

SEP

Thinkers in the critical group applied the label "ethno-philosophy" to a number of the instances of thought in the traditionalist trend to set apart the latter modes of thought, as previously noted, as more akin to ethnology than proper philosophizing.

SEP

It is a high instance of Straussian thought.

The New Yorker

Others, however, thought Tempels' claims, and similar offerings by others, were misguided and misleading candidates for proper instances of philosophical thought by Africans.

SEP

For every instance of fresh thinking I encountered, there was a disheartening example of encrusted thought.

The New York Times

One instance of this line of thought is Milenko Matanovic's "Collective Fixing of the Point".

The New York Times - Arts

(For instance, such a line of thought is implicit in Earman 1989, 125).

SEP

Fourth, it is commonly presupposed that naturalistic analyses of non-natural, non-derived meanings will apply, in the first instance, to the contents of thought.

SEP

However, there were many subtle references to these problems, with 11 people referring to instances of suicidal thoughts or self-harm.

BMC Psychiatry

In Multiple Myeloma, for instance, there is a school of thought which proposes to use the maximum number (and amount) of drugs available in the beginning of the treatment, while a second opposite approach dictates to save drugs for later and thus avoid tumors that recur resistant to all currently available drugs [ 40].

Biology Direct

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "instance of thought" when you want to refer to a single, specific occurrence or example of thinking. It's suitable when highlighting a particular moment or manifestation of thought within a larger context.

Common error

While "instance of thought" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "thought" or "idea" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instance of thought" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instance of thought" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote a specific occurrence of thinking. While generally appropriate, it leans towards formality and may be replaced by simpler terms in casual settings. Ludwig's analysis, including the examples provided, indicates its common use in academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts, confirming its versatility and correct usage. The analysis of Ludwig confirms that it is a correct and usable English phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

example of thinking

Changes the noun from 'thought' to 'thinking' and 'instance' to 'example'.

moment of contemplation

Replaces 'instance' with 'moment' and 'thought' with 'contemplation', focusing on a brief period of reflection.

act of considering

Emphasizes the action of thinking rather than a specific instance.

episode of reflection

Uses 'episode' to suggest a distinct occurrence of reflective thinking.

case of reasoning

Focuses on the logical process of thought in a specific situation.

line of reasoning

Refers to a particular path or direction taken by one's thinking.

train of thought

Indicates a connected sequence of ideas or considerations.

mode of thinking

Highlights the particular manner or style in which someone thinks.

way of thinking

Similar to 'mode of thinking', emphasizing a person's characteristic approach to thought.

school of thought

Indicates a particular perspective or belief system shared by a group of people.

FAQs

How can I use "instance of thought" in a sentence?

You might say, "This philosophical paper explores each "instance of thought" with meticulous detail", to discuss specific occurrences of thinking.

What's a simpler way to say "instance of thought"?

Depending on the context, you could use "example of thinking", "idea", or "thought" as more concise alternatives.

Is "instance of thought" formal or informal?

The phrase "instance of thought" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, consider using simpler terms such as "idea" or "thought".

What's the difference between "instance of thought" and "train of thought"?

"Instance of thought" refers to a single occurrence of thinking, whereas "train of thought" describes a connected sequence of ideas or considerations.