lateral thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

"lateral thinking" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a thought process that goes beyond the expected solution or realm of possibilities, and which arrives at a different solution. For example, "In solving this problem, Bob demonstrated his impressive lateral thinking skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Protecting ships, however, requires lateral thinking.

The Economist

The key to the single-gag cartoon is lateral thinking.

The Guardian

Interviews will assess empathy, emotional engagement and lateral thinking.

Forbes

Clearly, EO represents some forward – and plenty of lateral – thinking.

BBC

Lateral Thinking - Many money managers emphasize deep thinking as a source of superior trading ideas.

Forbes

"That's genius lateral thinking.

Huffington Post

Stott, a training manager for Suffolk county council, thinks that a little lateral thinking is needed.

The Guardian

I think that has always been our strength – our clear advantage globally is creative lateral thinking.

The Guardian

She did so by deploying lateral thinking.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Lateral-thinking specialists making important-but-dense stories accessible.

The Guardian - Books

A quick scan around the internet reveals these lateral-thinking gems.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lateral thinking" when you want to emphasize the innovative and unconventional nature of a solution, differentiating it from standard or logical methods.

Common error

Don't confuse "lateral thinking" with simply being creative. While creativity is a component, "lateral thinking" specifically refers to a structured process of approaching problems from unexpected angles, often involving the rejection of conventional assumptions.

Linguistic Context

"Lateral thinking" functions primarily as a noun phrase, describing a specific type of cognitive process. Ludwig AI shows it's used to denote the ability to solve problems creatively and non-linearly. It is a concept used in business, science and everyday life to describe creative thinking and generating new ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Lateral thinking" is a noun phrase referring to a non-linear and creative problem-solving approach. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English and highlights its prevalence across various domains, including news, science, and business. It describes the ability to approach problems from unexpected angles, moving beyond conventional assumptions. Related phrases include "thinking outside the box" and "creative problem-solving". To effectively use this term, remember that it is more than just creativity; it involves structured methods for approaching problems. Its high frequency and authoritative sources reflect its established place in modern language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thinking outside the box

Emphasizes unconventional and creative problem-solving.

creative problem-solving

Focuses on the innovative aspect of finding solutions.

innovative thinking

Highlights the novelty and originality of the thought process.

unconventional approach

Stresses the departure from standard methods.

thinking creatively

Focuses on the imaginative aspect of thought.

divergent thinking

Highlights the process of exploring multiple solutions.

inventive mindset

Emphasizes the ability to create new solutions.

imaginative reasoning

Stresses the use of imagination to reach conclusions.

out-of-the-ordinary solutions

Focuses on solutions that are not typical or expected.

fresh perspective

Highlights a new and different way of looking at a problem.

FAQs

What is "lateral thinking"?

"Lateral thinking" refers to solving problems through an indirect and creative approach, using reasoning that is not immediately obvious and involving ideas that may not be obtainable using only traditional step-by-step logic.

How can I improve my "lateral thinking" skills?

Engage in activities that challenge your assumptions and encourage exploration of multiple perspectives. Practice brainstorming, solving riddles, and exploring unconventional approaches to everyday problems. Try to "think outside the box".

What is the difference between "lateral thinking" and "critical thinking"?

"Critical thinking" involves analyzing and evaluating information to form a judgment, while "lateral thinking" involves generating new ideas and solutions through non-linear approaches. Critical thinking assesses existing ideas, whereas lateral thinking creates new ones, aiming for "innovative thinking".

In what situations is "lateral thinking" most useful?

"Lateral thinking" is especially useful in situations where traditional problem-solving methods have failed or when a fresh, innovative solution is needed. It's valuable in creative fields, complex problem-solving scenarios, and when "unconventional approaches" are required.