recurring thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recurring thoughts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe thoughts that repeatedly come to mind, often in a context related to mental health or personal reflection. Example: "She often found herself lost in recurring thoughts about her past decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

In a section called "Reminders of 9/11," they are asked whether they have recurring thoughts of the disaster and whether they feel emotionally cut off from those close to them.

The New York Times

Through his research, much of it involving students on campus, Dr. Marlatt also identified factors that can predict a relapse, among them negative emotions, conflicts with others and recurring thoughts that the substance will make the addict feel better.

The New York Times

Obsessions, recurring thoughts that become unhealthy patterns of behavior and acts performed to alleviate or reduce the thoughts, can first present in childhood or early adolescence, but may appear at any time throughout someone's life.

Vice

These are usually associated with pain, hospitalisation, medication, recurring thoughts about the disease and cancer-related fears.

European Journal of Cancer, Supplement

In relation to the ICD-10 three-factor model, distressing dreams, recurring thoughts, flashbacks, and physiological reactions to cues exhibited strong loadings associated with their designated domains (intrusion, avoidance, hyperarousal) with an overall coefficient > 0.90.

BMC Psychiatry

Depression is characterized by loss of interest, depressed mood, disturbance of sleep, problem in appetite and psychomotor activity, difficulty to concentrate or make decision, guilty or sinful feeling, easily tiredness and recurring thoughts of death or suicide [ 4].

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

This is a common, recurring thought in our culture.

The New York Times

They meditate over a situation, noticing a detail here or a memory there, often pondering a recurring thought.

The New York Times - Arts

When Robert was alive, she was consumed with the recurring thought that when her parents died he would be named their executor, even though she was the older sibling.

The New York Times - Magazine

One recurring thought is that the success of technology brands like Apple and BlackBerry is giving fruit a good name, hence the proliferation of plums as well as brands like Pinkberry and Red Mango, which are both frozen yogurts.

The New York Times

So my recurring thought this week has been: if Thatcher had faced mounting evidence that the coalition's austerity programme has been severe to the point of self-defeating, would she have changed her mind?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing mental health, use "recurring thoughts" to describe repetitive thought patterns, especially if they cause distress. Provide context by specifying what triggers these thoughts and their impact on the individual's well-being.

Common error

Avoid using "recurring thoughts" casually to describe any repetitive thought. Reserve it for situations where the thoughts are persistent, unwanted, and potentially disruptive to daily life, preventing misinterpretations and maintaining sensitivity when discussing mental health.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recurring thoughts" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to thoughts that appear repeatedly in a person's mind. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in describing symptoms of PTSD, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "recurring thoughts" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe thoughts that repeatedly come to mind, often associated with mental health or personal reflection. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides various real-world examples of its use. While alternatives like "repeating thoughts" or "persistent thoughts" exist, "recurring thoughts" specifically highlights the repetitive nature of these thoughts. It's crucial to use this term accurately, especially in sensitive contexts like mental health discussions, to avoid misinterpretations. Overall, understanding the proper use of "recurring thoughts" enhances clarity and sensitivity in both written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repeating thoughts

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the thoughts.

persistent thoughts

Emphasizes the continuous and unwavering nature of the thoughts.

intrusive thoughts

Highlights the unwanted and disturbing nature of the thoughts.

obsessive thoughts

Suggests a compulsive and dominating quality of the thoughts.

haunting thoughts

Implies a lingering and distressing presence of the thoughts.

recurring idea

Shifts the focus from general thoughts to a specific concept.

repetitive ideation

Uses a more formal and clinical term for repetitive thinking.

chronic rumination

Highlights the prolonged and meditative aspect of the thoughts.

unwanted mental images

Emphasizes the visual and involuntary aspect of the thoughts.

relentless mental activity

Focuses on the constant and unyielding nature of the mental processes.

FAQs

What does "recurring thoughts" mean?

"Recurring thoughts" refer to thoughts that repeatedly come to mind. They can range from everyday concerns to more persistent and intrusive thoughts, often associated with anxiety or other mental health conditions.

What can I say instead of "recurring thoughts"?

You can use alternatives like "repeating thoughts", "persistent thoughts", or "intrusive thoughts" depending on the context.

When are "recurring thoughts" a cause for concern?

"Recurring thoughts" become a cause for concern when they are distressing, interfere with daily activities, or are associated with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Seeking professional help is advisable in such cases.

How can I manage "recurring thoughts"?

Strategies for managing "recurring thoughts" include mindfulness exercises, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and, in some cases, medication. These approaches can help individuals identify triggers, challenge negative thought patterns, and develop coping mechanisms.