passing thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"passing thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a brief moment of consideration, contemplation, or reflection. For example: "He had a passing thought about what the future might bring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Unlike any recipe I have ever given, this one has not been tested and never shall be, nor is it recommended for anything but passing thought.

The New Yorker

But the power to broadcast any passing thought or utterance worldwide with the touch of a button for no cost with no delay is most appealing to the least responsible among us.

TechCrunch

Before the injury, Boone said, he gave only passing thought to the contract clause he violated.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a passing thought, but only a passing thought, that the king of bourgeois taste was flirting on the last day of Fashion Week with a sexy schoolgirl look.

The New York Times

"But it was only a passing thought.

The New York Times - Sports

But in the end it is only a passing thought.

The New Yorker

Even trade, the reason the group came into existence, seemed a passing thought.

The New York Times

Nothing is too trivial to go without mention; no passing thought is too commonplace to go unshared.

Independent

Dean's drawings are, I think, about time: geological time, the flash of a life, a passing thought.

The Guardian - Arts

A passing thought occurs, though, as a documentary about how Finland coped with last winter's snow flashes on to the television screen.

Independent

He was doing a return at the same time he fought with his mind, with the sin and affront of even the passing thought.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "passing thought" to describe ideas or considerations that are not deeply explored or seriously entertained. It's effective for illustrating spontaneous or quickly dismissed notions.

Common error

Avoid using "passing thought" when you intend to describe a profound or carefully considered idea. This phrase implies brevity and superficiality, so ensure it aligns with your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passing thought" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a thought that is brief or fleeting in nature, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

10%

Arts

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "passing thought" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a brief and often superficial idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase functions as a noun phrase and is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to avoid using "passing thought" when describing profound or deeply considered ideas. Alternatives like "fleeting idea" or "quick notion" can be used to achieve similar effects, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Overall, "passing thought" is a useful phrase for illustrating transient or quickly dismissed considerations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting idea

Emphasizes the brief and transient nature of the thought.

quick notion

Highlights the speed and lack of depth of the thought.

momentary consideration

Focuses on the brief period of contemplation.

brief reflection

Suggests a short period of thinking about something.

casual idea

Indicates a lack of seriousness or commitment to the thought.

ephemeral thought

Stresses the short-lived and almost vanishing nature of the thought.

transient thought

Similar to ephemeral, focusing on the fleeting nature.

cursory consideration

Emphasizes the superficial and hasty nature of the thought process.

hasty thought

Indicates a quick and possibly ill-considered idea.

vague idea

Highlights the lack of clarity and definition of the thought.

FAQs

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

You can use "passing thought" to describe an idea or consideration that is brief and not seriously entertained. For example, "I had a passing thought about quitting my job, but quickly dismissed it."

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

Alternatives include "fleeting idea", "quick notion", or "momentary consideration", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "passing thought" in formal writing?

Yes, "passing thought" is appropriate for formal writing, but be mindful of the connotation of brevity and lack of depth. If you need to convey a more serious or profound thought, consider alternative phrasing.

What's the difference between "passing thought" and "deep reflection"?

"Passing thought" implies a brief and superficial consideration, while "deep reflection" suggests a thorough and prolonged contemplation. They are contrasting concepts.