serious thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the need for careful consideration or contemplation about a particular issue or decision. Example: "Before making a final decision, I believe we should give this matter some serious thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I gave this serious thought.

The New Yorker

It should give it serious thought.

The Guardian

He has given this serious thought.

The Guardian - Film

I have given it serious thought.

The Guardian - Opinion

He didn't give it much serious thought, I think.

The New York Times

It is the work of profound and serious thought.

The New York Times

The American senators should give this serious thought.

The New York Times

Naturally, I've been giving these questions some serious thought.

The New York Times

So it's a subject worthy of serious thought.

The New Yorker

"It's a very important question, worth some serious thought.

The New Yorker

Not many people have given serious thought to these questions.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "deep consideration" or "careful reflection" to avoid repetition and add variety to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "serious thought" in casual conversations or lighthearted contexts where simpler phrases like "think about it" would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your communication sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious thought" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "serious" modifies the noun "thought". It's used to describe the act of thinking deeply and carefully about something, implying a level of importance and consideration. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious thought" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that signifies deep and careful consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use across a variety of contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. When using "serious thought", writers should aim to convey the importance of the topic being considered and may wish to vary their language with synonyms like "deep consideration" or "careful reflection". It's important to maintain an awareness of the register, avoiding overuse in informal settings. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep consideration

Replaces "serious" with "deep", emphasizing the intensity of consideration.

careful consideration

Emphasizes the thoroughness and attention to detail in the act of considering.

thorough contemplation

Focuses on the depth and completeness of the mental exploration.

earnest deliberation

Highlights the sincerity and careful weighing of options.

intense reflection

Stresses the concentration and depth of thought.

profound thinking

Suggests a deep and insightful level of thought.

grave consideration

Implies the matter is important and requires careful attention.

sober reflection

Conveys a serious and thoughtful examination of a matter.

weighty consideration

Emphasizes the importance and potential consequences of the matter being considered.

thoughtful examination

Highlights the careful and attentive nature of the investigation.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious thought" to indicate that something requires careful consideration. For example, "I gave your proposal some "serious thought" and decided to accept it."

What are some alternatives to "serious thought"?

Some alternatives include "deep consideration", "careful reflection", or "thorough contemplation" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "give serious thought to" or "think seriously about"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "give "serious thought" to" often implies a more deliberate and formal consideration than "think seriously about".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "serious thought"?

Use "serious thought" when you want to emphasize the importance and depth of consideration given to a particular matter. It's suitable for formal discussions, important decisions, or critical evaluations.