old school of thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "old school of thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an outdated way of thinking, especially when comparing it to a modern approach. For example: "The old school of thought suggests that gender roles are essential, but the modern perspective is much more progressive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He comes from an old school of thought, he said.

The Washington Post

"An old school of thought, and a robust one at that, holds that the monarch and their family should be seen and not heard, and confine themselves to the sort of small talk routinely encountered at Buckingham Palace garden parties.

BBC

Fit for purpose The old school of thought that it doesn't really matter where you stay on holiday because it's just a place to sleep doesn't hold up these days.

Independent

Furthermore, some doctors still subscribed to the old school of thought that insulin could only be initiated in a hospital setting and not in clinics.

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

While an older school of thought declares that an avocado-producing tree cannot be grown successfully from seed except once in roughly 1,000 attempts, or that even if successful the effort will take about 7 years before the first crop is realized and that even then, the fruit may not be edible, there are some cases that serve as evidence to the contrary.

WikiHow

The former school of thought is based on a misconception.

The New York Times

Compare this lengthy scene with the no less agonized "Manchester by the Sea," and you hit a cultural gulf: what the American film presents as emotional turmoil comes across, in Farhadi's tale, as a piercing moral debate, its wording culled not from psychology but from older schools of thought.

The New Yorker

Among the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy, Samkhya, the oldest philosophical school of thought, does not accept God, and the early Mimamsa also rejected the notion of God.

Wikipedia

The pairings of Web video and television reflect a school of thought that the old and new media can coexist and perhaps even benefit from each other.

The New York Times

Binyamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, is an old adherent to "the villa in the jungle" school of thought.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's a school of thought that says dividends are strictly for old fogies and tax-exempt entities, and that smart investors should think only about capital gains.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "old school of thought" to introduce a perspective that you intend to challenge or update with new information or insights.

Common error

Avoid using "old school of thought" as a blanket term to dismiss all traditional practices. Acknowledge the potential value or historical context before critiquing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "old school of thought" functions as a noun phrase. It refers to a set of beliefs, ideas, or methods that are traditional or outdated, often in contrast to more modern or innovative approaches. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "old school of thought" is a noun phrase used to describe traditional or outdated beliefs and practices. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and suggests that it functions to set up a contrast with more modern perspectives. While the phrase has neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, it appears most frequently in news and media, science and wiki sources. While examples are rare, the phrase is easy to find among high quality resources. Related phrases include "traditional approach" and "conventional wisdom". When using the phrase, be sure to articulate the specific differences you are discussing and avoid overgeneralizing the value of traditional practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traditional approach

Focuses on the adherence to long-established customs and practices.

conventional wisdom

Refers to beliefs and ideas generally accepted as true, often without critical examination.

established practice

Highlights a method or procedure that is well-recognized and commonly used.

outdated method

Emphasizes that the approach is no longer current or effective.

time-honored tradition

Underscores the historical significance and respect associated with the practice.

past practice

Indicates that the method was used in the past, implying potential obsolescence.

conservative mindset

Highlights resistance to change and adherence to traditional values.

orthodox belief

Suggests a strict adherence to established doctrines and principles.

antiquated system

Refers to a system that is obsolete and no longer suitable for modern use.

legacy system

Implies that while it might still be used, it's outdated and often difficult to maintain.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "old school of thought" in a sentence?

You can use "old school of thought" to describe outdated or traditional methods. For example, "The "old school of thought" emphasized rote memorization, while modern education focuses on critical thinking."

What are some alternatives to "old school of thought"?

Alternatives include "traditional approach", "conventional wisdom", or "established practice" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "old school of thought" in formal writing?

Yes, "old school of thought" can be used in formal writing, but ensure the context is clear and the tone remains objective, especially when contrasting it with modern perspectives. It is appropriate to use in formal and scientific documents.

What's the difference between "old school of thought" and "new school of thought"?

"Old school of thought" refers to traditional or outdated ideas, while "new school of thought" describes contemporary or innovative approaches. They are often used in contrast to highlight the evolution of ideas or methods.