lost in thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"lost in thought" is a perfectly suitable and common phrase in written English.
It is used to describe someone who is preoccupied with their own thoughts and is not focused on the outside world. For example, "John sat alone, lost in thought, pondering the possible outcomes of his next move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kataria seemed lost in thought.

The New Yorker

He looks lost in thought.

The New York Times

The mahout seemed relaxed, lost in thought.

The New York Times

He is lost in thought.

The New York Times - Arts

Pearson looks lost in thought.

The Guardian

He just stared ahead, lost in thought.

The New York Times - Sports

He was momentarily lost in thought.

The New York Times

He was always lost in thought, dreaming.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So I spent a lot of time lost in thought.

The New York Times - Travel

You're walking along the street, lost in thought.

The New Yorker

She looks lost in thought for a second.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "lost in thought" with sensory details to enhance the reader's experience, such as 'lost in thought, staring out the rain-streaked window'.

Common error

While effective, overuse of "lost in thought" can become repetitive. Vary your descriptions of internal reflection using synonyms like "absorbed in contemplation" or "preoccupied with one's thoughts" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost in thought" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being deeply absorbed in one's own thoughts. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lost in thought" is a common adjective phrase used to describe someone deeply absorbed in their internal musings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. As Ludwig examples show, the phrase is particularly prevalent in News & Media and academic writing, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal settings. While synonyms like "preoccupied with one's thoughts" and "absorbed in contemplation" offer alternative ways to express this idea, "lost in thought" remains a versatile and effective choice. Just avoid overusing the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preoccupied with one's thoughts

Highlights the state of being mentally engaged and focused internally.

immersed in thought

Focuses on the intensity and completeness of the mental absorption.

absorbed in contemplation

Emphasizes the act of actively thinking and reflecting.

engrossed in reflection

Suggests a deeper, more profound level of thinking.

contemplating deeply

Highlights the act of considering something thoughtfully and thoroughly.

deep in reverie

Implies a pleasant, dreamlike state of contemplation.

in a world of one's own

Emphasizes detachment from the external environment.

musing over something

Suggests a gentle, thoughtful pondering.

brooding

Implies a more somber and intense contemplation.

daydreaming

Indicates a wandering, often fanciful, train of thought.

FAQs

How can I use "lost in thought" in a sentence?

You can use "lost in thought" to describe someone who is deeply absorbed in their own thoughts and unaware of their surroundings. For example, "She sat by the window, "lost in thought", as the rain fell outside."

What's a good alternative to "lost in thought"?

Alternatives include "preoccupied with one's thoughts", "absorbed in contemplation", or "deep in reverie", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "became lost in thought"?

Yes, "became lost in thought" is a correct and natural way to express the process of someone entering a state of deep contemplation. It indicates a transition into being "lost in thought".

What is the difference between "lost in thought" and "daydreaming"?

"Lost in thought" generally implies a more focused and deliberate contemplation, while "daydreaming" suggests a more whimsical and unfocused wandering of the mind.