perverse thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perverse thoughts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe thoughts that are considered morally wrong, deviant, or contrary to accepted standards. Example: "He often found himself plagued by perverse thoughts that made it difficult to focus on his work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Imaginationism, the belief that abnormal children come from mothers who indulged in perverse thoughts and general bad juju, persisted into the modern age.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

That perverse thought seems to have inspired a recent series by another photography great, Lee Friedlander.

The New York Times - Arts

Perish such a perverse thought, but might we squelch this niceness before our favorite fiend turns into Mary Poppins?

The New York Times - Books

"Some kind of Surrealist exercise meant to inspire me, but also prevent me from thinking the perverse, looping thoughts that come unbidden: I am hideous.

Independent

At times, Staley's value system seems perverse: the raw thought being prized over the polished expression.

The New Yorker

This perverse line of thought is largely responsible for a society where the income gap continues to widen, where the middle-class, a term that has been AWOL from the Republican discourse, and seemingly removed from the Republican dictionary altogether at this juncture, continues to shrink under the weight of wrong-headed and senseless economic and fiscal priorities.

Huffington Post

I have been talking of the imp of the perverse; the perilous and taboo thoughts that we may experience, sometimes with great frequency.

Independent

And Bill Shore, executive director of Share Our Strength, which works to fight hunger and poverty, echoes those thoughts: "In a perverse way prosperity hides poverty," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

But which would we rather live in, a society where a deviant thought is viewed just as perverse as having amassed a roster of victims, discouraging someone from daring to speak that thought to a therapist -- and therefore never getting a shot at preventing evil actions?

Huffington Post

"That single thought is enough," wrote Edgar Allan Poe in "The Imp of the Perverse," an essay on unwanted impulses.

The New York Times - Health

We don't want to hear how the suicide of a loved one elicits suicidal thoughts in those left behind, either from despair or from a desire to achieve a perverse intimacy with the dead.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "perverse thoughts", consider the context to ensure that the intensity of the term aligns with the intended meaning. It is best used when describing thoughts that are not just unusual, but also morally questionable or disturbing.

Common error

Avoid using "perverse thoughts" when simply describing unusual or quirky ideas. The term carries a strong negative connotation, and using it in a mild context can be an overstatement that weakens your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perverse thoughts" functions as a noun phrase, with "perverse" acting as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "thoughts". Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perverse thoughts" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes morally wrong, deviant, or disturbing ideas. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in written English. While commonly found in news and media, it carries a strong negative connotation, so careful consideration of the context is essential. Alternatives like "deviant thoughts" or "twisted thoughts" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase's authoritative usage across reputable sources underscores its established place in the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deviant thoughts

Focuses more directly on the non-normative aspect of the thoughts.

twisted thoughts

Emphasizes the distorted or corrupted nature of the thoughts.

disturbing thoughts

Highlights the unsettling nature of the thoughts, focusing on their emotional impact.

morbid thoughts

Suggests a preoccupation with death or unpleasant subjects.

unwholesome thoughts

Indicates that the thoughts are unhealthy or morally objectionable.

corrupted thoughts

Highlights the idea that the thoughts have been tainted or spoiled.

depraved thoughts

Emphasizes the morally corrupt or wicked nature of the thoughts.

aberrant thoughts

Stresses the deviation from what is considered normal or acceptable.

unorthodox thoughts

Highlights the unconventional nature of the thoughts, suggesting they differ from established norms.

reprehensible thoughts

Focuses on the blameworthy or deserving of condemnation nature of the thoughts.

FAQs

How can I use "perverse thoughts" in a sentence?

You can use "perverse thoughts" to describe disturbing or morally wrong ideas. For example: "He was plagued by "perverse thoughts" that he couldn't shake off."

What are some alternatives to "perverse thoughts"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "deviant thoughts", "twisted thoughts", or "disturbing thoughts".

When is it appropriate to use the term "perverse"?

The term "perverse" is best used when describing something that deviates from what is considered normal or acceptable in a way that is also morally questionable or disturbing. It's stronger than simply 'unusual'.

What's the difference between "perverse thoughts" and "unusual thoughts"?

"Unusual thoughts" simply implies that the thoughts are not common. "Perverse thoughts", on the other hand, suggests that the thoughts are morally wrong, deviant, or disturbing in some way.