single thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"single thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a thought or idea that is separate from other thoughts or ideas. For example, "When I read the book, I had a single thought: I must read the sequel!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's the single thought.

The New York Times - Sports

I went whole hours without thinking a single thought.

The Guardian - Music

Not a single thought had been given to comfort.

The New York Times - Magazine

Lying amid the deathly silence, burned and bleeding, Mary Jos had a single thought: her husband.

The New York Times

A single thought gripped his mind: This is how I'm going to die.

The New York Times - Magazine

And being utterly transparent disclosing every single thought and feeling is both unrealistic and risky.

Harvard Business Review

He shifts from on-the-record to off-the-record to background in a single thought.

The New York Times - Magazine

Meanwhile, his straight characters seem never to have entertained a single thought about homosexuality.

The New York Times - Books

I stared at the audience in silence and not a single thought entered my head.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There wasn't a single thought in his head," Chatterjee writes, "about which he didn't feel confused".

The New York Times - Books

I'd given not a single thought, however, to that all-important factor: daylight.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "single thought" to emphasize a focused and clear idea, especially when contrasting it with multiple or complex concepts. This phrase is effective in persuasive writing or when summarizing a complex situation into a core idea.

Common error

Avoid using "single thought" excessively when describing nuanced or multifaceted scenarios. Over-simplification can obscure important details and mislead the reader. Instead, opt for more descriptive language that captures the complexity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "single thought" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it representing a focused idea or prevailing notion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "single thought" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, showing it commonly appears in news articles, academic writings, and scientific publications. As a neutral phrase, "single thought" is suitable for both formal and informal settings, serving to emphasize a focused idea or primary consideration. To enhance clarity and precision in writing, consider alternatives like "sole idea" or "primary focus" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sole idea

Replaces "thought" with "idea", emphasizing the concept's singularity and uniqueness.

one idea

Simplifies the phrase to emphasize the presence of just one idea.

only consideration

Focuses on the aspect of being the sole thing taken into account.

central idea

Highlights the idea as being the most important or pivotal.

overriding thought

Emphasizes that the thought is dominant over all others.

dominant thought

Stresses the thought's commanding or controlling presence in one's mind.

primary focus

Emphasizes the main point of attention or concentration.

main point

Highlights the essential or most important aspect of a topic.

prevailing idea

Highlights the idea as being the most common or influential.

chief concern

Replaces "thought" with "concern", stressing a predominant worry or interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "single thought" to describe a focused idea or prevailing notion. For example, "His "single thought" was to win the race" or "The company's "single thought" was profitability."

What are some alternatives to "single thought"?

Alternatives include "sole idea", "primary focus", or "central idea". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "single thought" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a focused or dominant idea, especially when contrasting it with multiple or complex concepts. Use it in summaries, conclusions, or persuasive writing where clarity and impact are essential.

Is "single thought" formal or informal?

The phrase "single thought" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality allows for versatility in various types of writing and conversation.