serious thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious thinking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of contemplating or reflecting deeply on a subject or issue. Example: "In order to solve complex problems, we need to engage in serious thinking about the potential consequences of our actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Lifestyle

Sports

Opinion

Arts

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We wouldn't have started the blog together if we weren't already quite serious, thinking it was going to be a long-term project".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Serious thinking about research integrity gets put off to another day.

Science Magazine

The resulting exodus, he says, would prompt "serious thinking" in Pyongyang.China, however, would not think much of this plan.

The Economist

I think you need to do some serious thinking about what you want.

Vice

And such serious thinking takes time.

The Guardian - Opinion

"So I had to do some serious thinking," Unser said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Kevin has to do some serious thinking off the field.

The Guardian - Sport

Nadal holds but he's got some serious thinking to do.

The Guardian - Sport

The one thing not on the political menu is serious thinking about the country's future.

The Economist

But he insisted Labour's policy was built on "serious thinking" about how to change the economy.

Independent

"Building on a flood plain — there ought to be some serious thinking about that," he continued.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serious thinking", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject or area of focus. For instance, specify what requires "serious thinking" to provide clarity and purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "serious thinking" vaguely. Instead of saying "We need some serious thinking", specify the issue or area that requires careful consideration to make your communication more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious thinking" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used to describe the act or process of engaging in deep and careful thought. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role in indicating the need for thorough consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

10%

Opinion

7%

Less common in

Lifestyle

3%

Arts

3%

Science

3%

Music

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious thinking" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase employed to emphasize the need for thorough consideration and reflection. Ludwig's analysis shows that it functions primarily as a noun phrase and is used across various contexts, including news, sports, and opinion pieces. Alternatives such as "deep contemplation" or "thoughtful consideration" may be used depending on the specific nuance required. It is advisable to use this phrase with specific context to enhance clarity and impact, according to Ludwig's AI, this expression is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep contemplation

Focuses on the depth of thought rather than just the seriousness.

thoughtful consideration

Emphasizes careful and deliberate consideration.

careful deliberation

Highlights the process of weighing options thoughtfully.

critical reflection

Focuses on analyzing and evaluating information thoroughly.

intensive reflection

Emphasizes the high degree of engagement of the reflection.

profound consideration

Highlights the depth of the analysis.

rigorous analysis

Stresses thoroughness and accuracy in analyzing data.

in-depth assessment

Focuses on examining something comprehensively.

thorough examination

Emphasizes a complete and detailed investigation.

sober reflection

Focuses on a serious and thoughtful examination.

FAQs

How can I use "serious thinking" in a sentence?

You can use "serious thinking" to emphasize the need for careful consideration or deep reflection on a topic. For example, "The problem requires some serious thinking about potential solutions".

What are some alternatives to "serious thinking"?

Alternatives include "deep contemplation", "thoughtful consideration", or "critical reflection", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "serious thinking" formal or informal?

"Serious thinking" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the audience and the nature of the discussion. It is generally considered neutral.

What is the difference between "serious thinking" and "wishful thinking"?

"Serious thinking" involves careful and logical consideration of facts and potential outcomes, while "wishful thinking" involves believing something will happen simply because you want it to, often ignoring evidence to the contrary.