outer thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outer thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to thoughts that are external or not deeply introspective, possibly in discussions about consciousness or perception. Example: "In her latest essay, she explores the concept of outer thought and how it influences our interactions with the world around us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Australians, perfectly understandably, cavorted their celebrations to all points of the Waca, so the defeated England captain, who had brought his men on to the outer, thought better of it and took them back inside.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Titled "I Became a Secret Hippy" the performance turned on the sometimes painful friction between inner and outer realities, private thoughts and public faces, rebellion and conformity.

Los Angeles Times

For years, I've been reading alarmed commentators like Martin Wolf of The Financial Times and thinking them a bit on the outer edge of pessimistic thought.

Huffington Post

Do you enjoy the thought of outer space?

The New Yorker

"He is a repository of theatrical knowledge and a vessel of gratitude," Barbara Grizzuti Harrison wrote in the Book Review in 1999, "a man whose impeccable, fluid prose takes us from inner thought to outer action seamlessly, a man who in all his ways is buoyant, vivid and brave".

The New York Times - Books

The conflict between his inner and outer selves brought anguish, thoughts of suicide and finally a confrontation with the diocese.

The New York Times

Now, thanks to scientists involved in Yuri Milner's Breakthrough Starshot project, you can send those thoughts into outer space and maybe even a black hole.

Science Magazine

While waiting for the President, Ezekiel sat in an outer office sketching his thoughts for a new commission he had received from the Congress the day before -- a Confederate monument for Arlington Cemetery.

Huffington Post

This means you cannot stop the flow of life, so completely accept your present circumstances, your routines, people around you, your habits (bad or good), your personality, your thoughts, your outer form (physical appearance), fundamentally, accept anything in your present, without any judgements[1].

WikiHow

The next thing you know, his children (Rory Culkin and Abigail Breslin) believe creatures from outer space are reading their thoughts.

The New York Times

Be different and find the inner beauty (you can still admire the outer beauty in your own thoughts).

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "outer thought" when distinguishing between surface-level considerations and deeper, more introspective contemplation. It's effective in contexts exploring the contrast between external expression and internal processing.

Common error

Avoid using "outer thought" as a simple pejorative for lack of reflection. Ensure the context clearly indicates a deliberate focus on external or readily accessible ideas, rather than simply implying a failure to think deeply.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outer thought" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "outer" modifies the noun "thought". It designates a specific kind of thinking that is directed externally, contrasting with internal or introspective processes. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outer thought" refers to thinking that is directed externally, contrasting with internal reflection. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct but relatively rare in usage. When you do use it, you should be clear whether you are intending to refer to surface level, externalized or easily accessible considerations. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, as well as Science and Wiki domains, indicating its use in both descriptive and analytical writing. Consider alternatives such as "superficial thought" or "externalized thought" depending on the context, and make sure to avoid using it as a general pejorative for lack of reflection. Remember to differentiate and use the phrase for surface level thinking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surface thought

Highlights the readily apparent or easily accessible nature of the thought.

superficial thought

Emphasizes the lack of depth or profundity in the thinking process.

obvious thought

Stresses the lack of complexity or obscurity in the thought.

externalized thought

Focuses on thoughts that are expressed or manifested outwardly.

readily apparent thought

Underscores the ease with which the thought can be perceived.

accessible thought

Indicates thoughts that are easily understood or grasped by others.

expressed thought

Focuses on the articulation or communication of an idea.

manifested thought

Highlights how a thought is made visible or concrete.

public thought

Emphasizes that the thought is shared or known to many.

observable thought

Highlights that the thought can be seen or recognized by others.

FAQs

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

"Outer thought" is used to describe considerations that are not deeply introspective, often focusing on readily apparent or externalized ideas. For example, "The philosopher differentiated between inner reflection and the engagement with "outer thought" as distinct modes of understanding."

What's a good alternative to "outer thought"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "superficial thought", "surface thought", or "externalized thought". Each carries slightly different connotations, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Is "outer thought" a common phrase in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "outer thought" is not a particularly common phrase in academic writing. It's more likely to appear in discussions of consciousness, psychology, or philosophy where the distinction between internal and external thought processes is relevant.

How does "outer thought" differ from "inner thought"?

"Outer thought" refers to thoughts that are directed outward or focused on external considerations, while "inner thought" pertains to introspection, reflection, and internal mental processes. Understanding this distinction is crucial in contexts where the interplay between internal and external awareness is being examined.