spark thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spark thoughts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of inspiring or provoking ideas and reflections in someone's mind. Example: "The speaker's passionate words were able to spark thoughts about the importance of environmental conservation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They are meant to spark thoughts and so they do, these objects of contemplation that hover in the air like humming birds moving at superhuman speed.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Their aim is not to force parishioners to agree with every word, they say, but to spark thought.

The New York Times

We aim to spark thought and discussion on these aspects.

Chem

No 3 is a branch of Barclays, whose logo sparks thoughts of shareholder revolt, and a chief executive who last year claimed it was time to increase what City types call its "risk profile".

The Guardian - Opinion

Along even more of a world-beat track, there's "I'll Sing for You," the tragic story of the Mali pop-song hero KarKar, a swivel-hipped rocker with luminous dark skin, whose growth as a political thinker sparked thoughts of independence in his people.

The New York Times

Small Data sparks thoughts about what happens to old tech after it becomes irrelevant, or replaced by something new: What were the "lives" of these now-antiquated objects like when regularly used?

Vice

If this conversation sparks thoughts and feelings about your own experiences with medications and mental health and other shades of gray, please participate and add them to the comments!

Huffington Post

This observation sparks thoughts such as 'thus, the diminished response to ACh makes sense since ACh-induced responses require synchronization via connexins'.

Cell Communication and Signaling

"They spark the thoughts of those who read them, and they urge them to read on.

The New York Times - Magazine

If this work can just spark those thoughts and conversations, that's a great thing for me.

Vice

How can any marvelous ideas wiggle in and spark delightful thoughts inside the fertile minds of curious children?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for more formal or academic writing, consider using "stimulate thinking" or "foster contemplation" as alternatives. These options often convey a more nuanced and scholarly tone.

Common error

While "spark thoughts" is a perfectly acceptable phrase, avoid overusing it, especially in formal or academic writing. Over-reliance on this phrase can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Instead, opt for alternatives like "stimulate thinking" or "foster contemplation" to convey a more nuanced and polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spark thoughts" functions as a verb phrase where "spark" acts as a transitive verb meaning to initiate or stimulate, and "thoughts" is the direct object. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to indicate the action of causing ideas to arise.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spark thoughts" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes the act of initiating or stimulating new ideas. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and versatile, fitting into various writing contexts. While effective, it's advisable to vary your language with alternatives like "provoke thoughts" or "ignite ideas" to maintain stylistic richness. While the phrase has a neutral register that spans from informal to professional, in some cases opting for "stimulate thinking" or "foster contemplation" can make your writing sound more sophisticated. Overall, "spark thoughts" is a valuable tool for conveying the beginning of a thought process, just remember to be mindful of the audience and context to achieve maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provoke thoughts

Emphasizes the act of causing or eliciting thoughts, shifting the focus from initiation to reaction.

ignite ideas

Uses a more figurative and intense verb to suggest a rapid and powerful generation of ideas.

stimulate thinking

Focuses on the process of thinking itself, implying a broader and more sustained cognitive activity.

foster contemplation

Suggests nurturing and encouraging deeper, more reflective thought processes.

inspire reflection

Highlights the act of prompting thoughtful consideration, with a focus on looking back and evaluating.

prompt ideas

Directly indicates causing ideas to arise, without necessarily implying depth or complexity.

trigger insights

Implies a sudden and revelatory understanding, rather than just general thoughts.

elicit considerations

Focuses on drawing out thoughtful examinations and evaluations of a subject.

plant seeds of thought

Uses a metaphorical expression to suggest initiating a gradual process of intellectual development.

cultivate understanding

Indicates a deliberate effort to develop and deepen comprehension through thoughtful exploration.

FAQs

How can I use "spark thoughts" in a sentence?

You can use "spark thoughts" to describe something that inspires or generates new ideas. For example, "The artist's thought-provoking exhibition "sparked thoughts" about the nature of reality."

What are some alternatives to "spark thoughts"?

Alternatives to "spark thoughts" include "provoke thoughts", "ignite ideas", or "stimulate thinking". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "spark of thought" instead of "spark thoughts"?

Yes, "spark of thought" is also correct, but it has a slightly different meaning. "Spark of thought" refers to a single, initial idea, while "spark thoughts" refers to the general process of inspiring ideas. The example of Ludwig AI's listing "The lightning spark of thought generated in the solitary mind awakens its likeness in another mind" showcases the correct usage of "spark of thought".

What's the difference between "spark thoughts" and "generate ideas"?

"Spark thoughts" implies initiating or inspiring a thought process, while "generate ideas" focuses more on producing or creating ideas. "Spark thoughts" is about the stimulus, while "generate ideas" is about the output.