only thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a singular idea or consideration that someone has in mind, often implying that it is the sole focus or concern. Example: "My only thought was how to improve the situation for everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"My only thought is that".

The Guardian - Sport

"My only thought with this series: It was hard.

The New York Times

My only thought is of reaching the other side.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The financial district had become a militarized zone, and Kachel's only thought was of escape.

The New Yorker

His only thought now is to keep the club in the Premier League.

The New York Times - Sports

"The only thought I have is for the team medal," he said through an interpreter.

The New York Times

"But when your counterparts are generals and defence ministry people, their only thought is security.

The Economist

My only thought is to get my men out of there alive".

The New Yorker

Who wants to share a house with a creature whose only thought is to leave?

The New Yorker

The only thought that brought relief was that Annagret was unquestionably suffering even more.

The New Yorker

"My only thought and goal," he said, "is to get healthy and go from there.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only thought" to clearly convey that a single idea or concern dominated someone's mind at a specific moment. This phrase is effective when you want to emphasize the singularity of the focus.

Common error

Avoid using "only thought" when multiple considerations were clearly present. This phrase implies a singular focus, so ensure it accurately reflects the situation you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only thought" functions as a noun phrase or an adjectival phrase modifying a noun (often implied or stated). It describes a singular focus of attention or consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only thought" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a singular focus or consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, business, and general conversation. While alternatives like "sole consideration" or "primary focus" exist, "only thought" effectively conveys the idea of a singular mental preoccupation. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the situation to maintain clarity and avoid misinterpretations. With its frequency and clear meaning, "only thought" remains a valuable tool for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sole consideration

Emphasizes the exclusive nature of the consideration.

single idea

Focuses on the singularity of the idea being entertained.

primary focus

Highlights the main area of attention or concentration.

chief concern

Indicates the most important worry or preoccupation.

main priority

Stresses the importance of the thought in relation to other concerns.

dominant idea

Suggests the thought is the most powerful or influential.

prevailing notion

Implies the thought is currently the most accepted or widespread.

overriding thought

Emphasizes that the thought takes precedence over others.

central concern

Highlights the thought as being the core issue.

one and only thought

Adds emphasis to the singularity and exclusiveness of the thought.

FAQs

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

You can use "only thought" to express a single idea that someone has in mind. For example, "My "only thought" was to ensure everyone's safety."

What are some alternatives to "only thought"?

Alternatives include "sole consideration", "single idea", or "primary focus", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "only thought"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "only thought" is used to indicate a singular consideration or focus.

What's the difference between "only thought" and "main concern"?

"Only thought" emphasizes the singularity of an idea, while "main concern" highlights the primary worry or preoccupation. The phrase "main concern" might suggest other concerns exist, but are less important, whereas "only thought" implies no other considerations were present.