seriousness of thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seriousness of thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the depth or gravity of someone's thinking or consideration on a particular subject. Example: "The seriousness of thought that she applied to her research was evident in her thorough analysis and conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He'd stack the fruit into pyramids and contemplate weighty questions with a seriousness of thought.

The New Yorker

That seriousness of thought, partly obscured by the tumult of William Jefferson Clinton's departure, bodes well.

The New York Times

A co-founder of the network in 2004, Franken gave it both a sheen of cheeky wit – Franken was a sketch writer for NBC's Saturday Night Live for years and author of books with titles like Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot and Other Observations – and seriousness of thought.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Despite the seriousness of Johansen's thoughts on consumer culture, he does not miss the levity in his zany art project.

Huffington Post

Moreover, multivariate analysis was applied to five variables (Sex, thoughts about the seriousness of the outbreak, protectiveness of the vaccine, safety of the vaccine, whether respondents would allow their children to get vaccinated) that may affect the attitudes of HCW towards vaccination, and the strength of association was expressed as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

BMC Infectious Diseases

End of thought".

The New York Times - Magazine

Come, leaders of thought!

The New Yorker

A lot of thought.

Independent

Freedom of thought.

Forbes

The cognitive measures assessed included perceived risk of cervical cancer, 22 perceived seriousness of cervical cancer, worry about cervical cancer, 23 intrusive thoughts about the abnormal smear results (measured using one item from the impact of events scale), 24 satisfaction with health care in general, and women's satisfaction with the care received for their abnormal cervical smear.

British Medical Journal

I'm not denying the seriousness of a bad grade in a world where, as a teenager, your every thought is a prequel to a comfortable job in the knowledge economy via a really banging UCAS form.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seriousness of thought", ensure the context clearly establishes what subject or issue is being considered with such gravity. Provide specific details or examples to illustrate the depth of the thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "seriousness of thought" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "thinking deeply" or "careful consideration" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seriousness of thought" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement. It describes the quality or characteristic of someone's thinking process. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in describing a person's approach to questions or the characteristics of a speech.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seriousness of thought" is a noun phrase used to describe deep and sincere consideration. While grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates that it is a relatively infrequent expression, primarily found in news and media, and scientific contexts. When aiming to emphasize the depth and importance of someone's thinking, consider using this phrase, but be mindful of its formal tone and explore alternative expressions like "depth of consideration" or "intellectual rigor" to suit the context. The most authoritative sources using the phrase are The New Yorker and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depth of consideration

Emphasizes the thoroughness and profundity of thinking.

intellectual rigor

Highlights the disciplined and exacting nature of the thought process.

earnest contemplation

Focuses on the sincerity and dedication involved in thinking deeply.

profound reflection

Stresses the depth and insightfulness of the thinking.

deep thinking

A more concise way to convey the idea of thinking seriously.

thoughtful consideration

Highlights the care and attention given to the subject.

gravity of thought

Emphasizes the weight and importance of the ideas being considered.

intellectual depth

Focuses on the complexity and richness of the thought.

solemn reflection

Implies a more somber and serious tone in thinking.

intense cogitation

Highlights the focused and concentrated effort in thinking.

FAQs

What does "seriousness of thought" mean?

The phrase "seriousness of thought" refers to the depth, gravity, and sincerity someone applies when thinking about a particular subject. It suggests a careful and profound consideration of ideas or issues.

How can I use "seriousness of thought" in a sentence?

You might say, "The professor approached the philosophical problem with a noticeable "seriousness of thought", carefully weighing each argument before responding."

What are some alternatives to "seriousness of thought"?

Alternatives include "depth of consideration", "intellectual rigor", or "earnest contemplation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "seriousness of thought" formal or informal?

The phrase "seriousness of thought" tends to be more formal and is often found in academic, professional, or journalistic contexts rather than in casual conversation.