intellectual operation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intellectual operation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a mental process or activity that involves thinking, reasoning, or understanding. Example: "The study of philosophy often involves complex intellectual operations that challenge our understanding of reality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

His wife, Eleanor, who had worked as both housekeeper and secretary to his one-man intellectual operation, filed for divorce in 1956.

The Guardian

It is because Socrates' soul's act of existence is Socrates' act of existence that the soul's intellectual operation is Socrates' intellectual operation.

SEP

However, neither is it, always an "essentially intellectual" operation (Marcel 1962b, p. 156).

SEP

But if so, then the same must be true of all relations, as the intellectual operation involved is the same in all cases.

SEP

Since, however, counting finite extensions ought to be a universally applicable intellectual operation, regardless of subject matter, it will be the exception rather than the rule that FA is to be applied only to the natural numbers (plus, perhaps, the unnatural factotum ω).

SEP

Meanwhile, though much has been made of new investment in Democratic "infrastructure," no one would claim with a straight face that progressives have a serious intellectual operation in Washington devoted to counter the still-powerful free market fundamentalism of organizations like the Heritage Foundation or the American Enterprise Institute.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Later discussions of the systems in which items of information and intellectual operations are organized have made fuller use of the resources of logic and mathematics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Newt conservatives are conducting an intellectual guerrilla operation against deeply held values of the common good.

Huffington Post

Maybe somewhat as we can distinguish between primitive sensory perception of things in our environment, and the more intellectual, conceptual operations based on them, so we can distinguish the thoughts we have about our own ('inner') mental goings-on from the ('inner') sensing of them.

SEP

The League of Nations had devoted serious attention to the question of international intellectual co-operation since its creation.

Wikipedia

We expect to see more companies expand into adjacent industries, exploiting their core strengths in technology, operations, intellectual property or brand.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intellectual operation" when you want to emphasize a specific mental activity that involves reasoning, understanding, or problem-solving. It's appropriate in academic, professional, and technical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "intellectual operation" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler terms like "thinking" or "understanding" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectual operation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific process or activity related to thinking and understanding. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intellectual operation" is a noun phrase denoting a mental process that involves thinking, reasoning, or understanding. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in written English. While grammatically sound and suitable for formal and technical contexts like science and academia, it may be too formal for casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "cognitive process" or "mental activity" for broader applicability. Common errors involve overuse in informal settings. Reputable sources such as The Guardian and Encyclopedia Britannica employ this phrase, indicating its validity in scholarly and professional discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cognitive process

Focuses specifically on the mental aspect of the operation.

mental activity

Emphasizes the activity of the mind.

intellectual endeavor

Highlights the effort and purpose behind the intellectual activity.

reasoning process

Specific to the logical aspect of the operation.

thought process

Focuses on the way thoughts are formed and connected.

cognitive task

Highlights the work or assignment aspect of the operation.

mental exercise

Emphasizes the training or development of intellectual capabilities.

intellectual pursuit

Focuses on the seeking or striving aspect of the intellectual activity.

analytical activity

Specifically relates to breaking down a subject into its parts.

problem-solving process

Highlights the process of finding solutions using intellect.

FAQs

How can I use "intellectual operation" in a sentence?

You can use "intellectual operation" to describe a specific mental process. For example, "The study of philosophy involves complex intellectual operations."

What's a good alternative to "intellectual operation"?

Depending on the context, you might use "cognitive process" or "mental activity" as alternatives to "intellectual operation".

Is "intellectual operation" formal or informal?

"Intellectual operation" leans towards the formal side. In casual settings, simpler terms may be preferred.

When is it best to use the phrase "intellectual operation"?

Use "intellectual operation" when you want to specifically emphasize a mental activity requiring reasoning and understanding, particularly in academic, technical, or professional settings.