original thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "original thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a creative, innovative, or unique idea. For example, "Jeff's solution to the problem was an original thought; no one had considered it before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's hardly the most original thought.

Independent

Original thought is on the way out.

The Guardian - Sport

Almost every line contains an original thought, nimbly described.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Original thought (or Campfire groupmind) is muffled less.

The New York Times

While comedian Greg Proops left an original thought.

The Guardian - Music

Too bad the book lacks cohesion, original thought and passion.

The New York Times - Books

But that would require someone's celebrity stylist to have an original thought or idea.

The Economist

This is not to say that he never had an original thought.

The New Yorker

"The horse has bolted in terms of original thought," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Original, thought-provoking and, importantly, fun.

The Guardian - Books

In a modern world, when can we come closest to our original, thought-free happiness?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing intellectual property, consider using "original thought" to highlight the basis for ownership and protection.

Common error

Ensure your "original thought" is genuinely new and not simply a restatement of existing ideas without proper attribution. Always cite your sources to avoid plagiarism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "original thought" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a novel, creative idea that is not derivative. As seen in Ludwig, it frequently describes intellectual contributions or the capacity for innovation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Books

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "original thought" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that denotes a novel, creative idea. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in news, science, and literature. To enhance your writing, focus on using "original thought" to emphasize innovation and creativity while avoiding plagiarism. Consider alternatives like "innovative idea" or "novel concept" for nuanced expressions. Ultimately, mastering the use of "original thought" allows you to articulate and appreciate innovative thinking in various forms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

innovative idea

Emphasizes the novelty and creativity of the thought.

novel concept

Highlights the newness and uniqueness of the idea.

creative thinking

Focuses on the mental process of generating new ideas.

independent thinking

Stresses the autonomy and self-reliance in the thought process.

fresh perspective

Suggests a new and insightful way of looking at something.

groundbreaking notion

Highlights the revolutionary and transformative nature of the thought.

unconventional wisdom

Emphasizes a departure from established or traditional beliefs.

ingenuity

Focuses on cleverness and inventiveness.

inventiveness

Stresses the capability to create or design new things.

pioneering idea

Highlights the leading or innovative nature of the idea.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "original thought" into my writing?

Use "original thought" when you want to emphasize the novelty and creativity behind an idea or concept. For example, "The project required a great deal of /s/creative+thinking, leading to several "original thoughts" that revolutionized the field".

What are some synonyms for "original thought"?

Alternatives include "innovative idea", "novel concept", or "creative thinking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very original thought"?

While not strictly redundant, "very original thought" can sometimes sound slightly awkward. Consider using alternatives like "groundbreaking notion" or simply relying on the strength of "original thought" itself.

How does "original thought" differ from "critical thinking"?

"Original thought" focuses on creating new ideas, while critical thinking involves analyzing existing ideas. While both are valuable, "critical thinking" is more about evaluating, whereas "original thought" is about generating.