line of thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "line of thinking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a particular thought process, or a particular train of thought. For example: "My teacher challenged the class to identify and evaluate different lines of thinking on the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some economists dispute this line of thinking.

The New York Times

This is a reasonable line of thinking.

The New York Times

Wade discourages this line of thinking.

The New Yorker

Nor is Statkraft alone in its line of thinking.

The Economist

Rhinehart, naturally, is doubtful about this line of thinking.

The New Yorker

Adam Fleischman is familiar with this line of thinking.

The New Yorker

She is not alone in this line of thinking.

The New York Times

She was careful not to indulge this line of thinking.

The New Yorker

This line of thinking swiftly stumbles into self-contradiction.

The New York Times

There is something strange about this line of thinking.

The New York Times

Analysts frustrated with this "stay the course" line of thinking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to criticize an idea, try variations like "flawed line of thinking".

Common error

While "line of thinking" is acceptable, excessive use of noun chains (e.g., "economic policy decision impact assessment") can make your writing difficult to read. Simplify complex phrases where possible for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "line of thinking" functions as a noun phrase, referring to a particular method of reasoning or a specific set of beliefs and assumptions that guide someone's thoughts. It is commonly used to describe or evaluate a specific approach to a problem or a subject, such as the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

22%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "line of thinking" is a versatile phrase used to denote a particular approach or method of reasoning. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general discussions. While maintaining a neutral to formal tone, it effectively serves to describe, evaluate, or challenge specific perspectives. For alternative phrasing, consider using "way of reasoning" or "train of thought" to add variety to your writing. Remember to use this phrase to clearly identify a method of reasoning and avoid excessive use of noun chains for better clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

way of reasoning

Focuses on the reasoning process involved.

train of thought

Emphasizes the sequential nature of thinking.

reasoning process

Highlights the steps and logic used in thinking.

perspective

Highlights a particular viewpoint or angle.

approach

Refers to a specific method or strategy of thinking.

school of thought

Suggests a shared or established way of thinking.

intellectual path

Implies a journey or progression in thinking.

cognitive framework

Emphasizes the structure and organization of thought.

intellectual stance

Stresses a deliberate position or attitude in thinking.

conceptual framework

Focuses on the underlying concepts and ideas.

FAQs

How can I use "line of thinking" in a sentence?

You can use "line of thinking" to refer to a particular way of reasoning or approaching a problem. For instance, "Some economists dispute this "line of thinking"".

What's a similar expression to "line of thinking"?

Similar expressions include "way of reasoning", "train of thought", or "perspective", which all refer to a particular way of understanding something.

Is "line of thinking" formal or informal?

"Line of thinking" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "line of reasoning" and "line of thinking"?

While similar, "line of reasoning" typically emphasizes the logical steps used to reach a conclusion, whereas "line of thinking" is a broader term that can encompass beliefs, assumptions, and values.