irrational thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "irrational thinking" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to describe something that does not make sense logically. For example, "He was accused of having irrational thoughts that led to dangerous decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"It is the same kind of hateful, vicious, irrational thinking".

The New York Times

According to Hitchens, McEwan's hostility to irrational thinking has "something of the zeal of the convert".

The New Yorker

Only with Lyme infections does this sort of irrational thinking prevail.

The New York Times - Science

Was part of your aim to encourage your readers to rethink the ways in which they or people they know might be afflicted with irrational thinking?

The New Yorker

MICHAEL SPECTER: Yes, the book is called "Denialism: How Irrational Thinking Hinders Scientific Progress, Harms the Planet, and Threatens Our Lives," from Penguin Press.

The New Yorker

This kind of irrational thinking is equally apparent in the anti-vaccination movement, for example among those who continue to believe that the MMR vaccine causes autism.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Although adults with phobias may realize these fears are irrational, even thinking about facing the feared object or situation brings on severe anxiety symptoms".

Vice

All of them opposed the increasing groundswell of radically mistaken, indeed irrational, ways of thinking about thought and its place in the world.

SEP

If you really think about it, this is a completely irrational way of thinking that many people use regularly.

WikiHow

Their affect tends to be flat and their thinking irrational at times.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the politicization of end-of-life planning and its entwinement with religion-based culture wars provide extra, irrational obstacles to thinking ahead when it matters most.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics, be specific about the type of "irrational thinking" to avoid generalizations that might offend or alienate your audience.

Common error

Avoid labeling opinions that differ from your own as "irrational thinking" without a clear, logical explanation. Disagreement doesn't automatically equate to irrationality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "irrational thinking" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a style of thinking that deviates from logic and reason. Ludwig AI confirms this, with examples showing its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "irrational thinking" is a noun phrase used to describe thought processes that deviate from logic and reason. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, notably News & Media and Science. While the term carries a neutral to formal tone, its use signifies an attempt to critically assess or label flawed reasoning. To avoid misuse, it's crucial to distinguish disagreement from actual irrationality, and to provide clear justification when applying this label.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irrationality

A more general term describing the quality of being irrational.

illogical reasoning

Focuses on the structural flaws in the reasoning process.

flawed reasoning

A general term indicating that there is a mistake in the way of thinking.

faulty logic

Highlights the presence of errors in the logical framework.

cognitive distortion

Emphasizes the psychological aspect of skewed thought patterns.

biased reasoning

Suggests that prejudice or preconceived notions influence the thinking process.

mindless thinking

Emphasizes the absence of careful consideration or awareness.

delusional thinking

Indicates a disconnection from reality in thought processes.

unfounded beliefs

Stresses the lack of a solid basis for the idea being considered.

twisted logic

Implies a convoluted and unnatural quality in reasoning.

FAQs

How can I identify "irrational thinking" in myself or others?

Look for patterns of thought that contradict logic, evidence, or personal values. Cognitive biases, emotional reasoning, and jumping to conclusions are common indicators.

What are some strategies to overcome "irrational thinking"?

Techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation, and challenging your assumptions can help you identify and correct distorted thought patterns.

What's the difference between "irrational thinking" and "illogical thinking"?

"Irrational thinking" often involves emotions and personal biases, while "illogical thinking" refers more specifically to flaws in the structure of reasoning. Although they can overlap.

What are some synonyms for "irrational thinking"?

Alternatives include "faulty reasoning", "cognitive distortion", or "biased reasoning", each carrying subtle differences in connotation.