persistent thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "persistent thoughts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe thoughts that are recurring or difficult to shake off, often in contexts related to mental health or introspection. Example: "She found it hard to concentrate on her work due to the persistent thoughts about her upcoming exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

At 27 I had my first persistent thoughts about suicide, triggered by tinnitus.

The Guardian

Headaches, sleep problems and persistent thoughts of failure and embarrassment are common problems for those with SAD.

Stanford University

It seems obvious, but when you're moving your body, you're less focused on the persistent thoughts swirling in your mind.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Little attention is given to studying the perpetrators of such crimes, often believed to be pedophiles, or men who experience persistent thoughts, fantasies, urges and sexual arousal involving children.

The New York Times

Obsessions are recurring or persistent thoughts, images, or impulses that, rather than being voluntarily produced, seem to invade a person's consciousness despite his attempts to ignore, suppress, or control them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For many parents and more than a few students, there are the persistent thoughts of "what if?" "There's no reason we couldn't have been there at that time, too," said Betty Ordonez, whose granddaughter, Jordan Zepeda, is also in third grade at Mesa Verde.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

To the Russian writer Ilya Ehrenburg, the building seemed "cast of one piece like a persistent thought".

The Guardian - Books

"What started as a thought — a very persistent thought — has now become a course of action that I wish to pursue," Mr. Biden wrote in an open letter to his constituents in April 2014.

The New York Times

The Internet hasn't shortened my attention span, but it has fixed a persistent thought in the back of my mind: Isn't there something better to do than what I'm doing?

The New York Times

I got an office job for a few months after leaving university and it was the persistent thought of hopping on Greek ferries, and exploring the islands, that made me chuck it in and head to Greece, without a contract, to write the first Rough Guide.

The Guardian - Travel

I was ripe for it: my marathon was a month in the past, maintenance runs were turning into repetitive blurs of street lights and drizzle, a half-read copy of Feet in the Clouds was glaring at me from my bookshelf, and there was the persistent thought of: "What's next?".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing mental health, use "persistent thoughts" to accurately describe recurring and often unwanted thought patterns. This can help to provide context for conditions like OCD or anxiety.

Common error

Avoid using "persistent thoughts" in everyday conversation unless you specifically intend to convey a clinical or psychological context. Simpler terms like "recurring thoughts" or "lingering thoughts" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persistent thoughts" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'persistent' acts as an adjective modifying 'thoughts'. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes recurring or difficult-to-shake-off thoughts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "persistent thoughts" is grammatically sound and widely used to describe recurring or lingering thoughts, particularly in the context of mental health. According to Ludwig AI, its use is appropriate in written English and appears across diverse fields such as news, science, and academia. While simpler alternatives exist, using "persistent thoughts" accurately conveys the repetitive and often intrusive nature of these thoughts. It's crucial to be aware of the clinical implications of the phrase, avoiding overuse in informal conversation unless a specific psychological context is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relentless thoughts

Emphasizes the unyielding and continuous nature of the thoughts.

recurring thoughts

Highlights the repetitive nature of the thoughts.

intrusive thoughts

Focuses on the unwanted and disruptive quality of the thoughts.

obsessive thoughts

Implies a preoccupation and repetitive cycle of thinking.

unwanted thoughts

Stresses the unwelcome nature of the thoughts.

fixated thoughts

Highlights the concentration and focus on certain thoughts.

haunting thoughts

Indicates that the thoughts are distressing and memorable.

chronic thoughts

Suggests a long-lasting and habitual pattern of thinking.

constant thoughts

Emphasizes the unwavering and continuous stream of thoughts.

nagging thoughts

Implies that the thoughts are bothersome and difficult to ignore.

FAQs

What does "persistent thoughts" mean in a psychological context?

In psychology, "persistent thoughts" refers to recurring, often intrusive thoughts that can cause distress or anxiety. They are often associated with conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or anxiety disorders.

How can I manage "persistent thoughts"?

Managing "persistent thoughts" often involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and sometimes medication. Seeking professional help is recommended for severe or debilitating cases.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "persistent thoughts"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "recurring thoughts", "intrusive thoughts", or "obsessive thoughts". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Are "persistent thoughts" always a sign of a mental health issue?

While "persistent thoughts" are often associated with mental health conditions, experiencing them occasionally doesn't necessarily indicate a problem. However, if the thoughts are distressing, frequent, or interfere with daily life, it's important to seek professional evaluation.