spiralling thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spiralling thoughts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of mind where thoughts are racing or becoming chaotic, often associated with anxiety or overthinking. Example: "As she lay in bed, her spiralling thoughts kept her awake, replaying the events of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is the immediate hit, the spiralling thoughts and inner revelations that are so dangerous.

The Guardian

"My spiralling thoughts used to go from, Oh, they're not really that into me to, Wow, nobody loves me, and I'm never going to find any partners".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I can breathe deeper, slow my brain down and flood my mental threshold with more positive thinking to disrupt the negative, spiraling thought cycles that have been my norm.

Vice

Directed by Lynne Ramsay ("Ratcatcher," "Morvern Callar"), the movie exerts an unsettling, hallucinatory pull, in part because it relies more on imagery than language to draw us inside the spiraling thoughts of the central character.

The New York Times

Whiteside says that many people shut down spiraling thoughts by sleeping, but since you're working, "splash your face with cold water to disrupt the process and slow your body down".

Vice

But, of course, despite all their careful preparations, nothing is going to plan, and as property prices begin to spiral all thoughts of a dream wedding have to be abandoned.

The Guardian

As it turns out, it takes a half-hour of disorienting conversation before I can get any sort of handle on his strange rhythms of speech, his spiralling patterns of thought.

The Guardian - Film

That's how the thoughts go, spiralling and smoothing and plumping my face into something closer to perfection.

Vice

We lose track of the fact that much of the time, we spiral off into thoughts that have little to do with the here and now.

Huffington Post

When I smoke, I find myself spiraling into deep thoughts about Joan Didion and my undying love of dolmas, but this weed lube high was hotter and more focused.

Vice

He is unhappy about himself, critical even, but is locked in a spiral with thoughts that "cannot, ought not to be repelled".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spiralling thoughts" to vividly describe a mental state where thoughts are rapidly escalating and difficult to control. This phrase is particularly effective in conveying feelings of anxiety or overwhelm.

Common error

While "spiralling thoughts" is appropriate for descriptive and creative writing, it may sound too informal or emotive in highly formal or academic contexts. Consider using more neutral terms like "complex reasoning" or "intricate analysis" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spiralling thoughts" functions as a noun phrase, where 'spiralling' acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun 'thoughts.' It describes the nature or quality of the thoughts themselves. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spiralling thoughts" effectively describes a mental state of escalating and difficult-to-control thoughts, often linked to anxiety and overwhelm. While grammatically correct and usable, Ludwig indicates that its register is generally neutral to informal. Consider using more formal alternatives like "complex reasoning" in academic or professional settings. The phrase appears in varied contexts, including News & Media and Wiki. The AI confirms its validity, but also encourages to carefully chose the register depending on the usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

racing thoughts

Focuses on the speed and rapid succession of thoughts.

tumultuous thoughts

Emphasizes the chaotic and agitated nature of the thoughts.

whirling thoughts

Suggests a sense of dizziness and confusion in thinking.

uncontrolled thoughts

Highlights the lack of ability to manage or direct one's thoughts.

runaway thoughts

Implies that thoughts are escalating and difficult to stop.

cascading thoughts

Describes thoughts that build upon each other in a rapid and overwhelming sequence.

obsessive thoughts

Indicates a preoccupation with particular thoughts that are intrusive and repetitive.

anxious thoughts

Highlights the worry and unease associated with the thoughts.

cyclical thinking

Focuses on the repetitive and circular nature of the thought process.

out-of-control thoughts

Similar to uncontrolled, but with stronger emphasis on the chaotic element.

FAQs

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

You can use "spiralling thoughts" to describe a mental state where thoughts are racing, becoming chaotic, and difficult to control. For example: "As she lay in bed, her "spiralling thoughts" kept her awake, replaying the events of the day."

What's a less evocative alternative to "spiralling thoughts"?

In a more formal context, you could use phrases like "complex reasoning" or "intricate analysis" to describe detailed and involved thought processes without the negative connotations of being out of control.

What are some common causes of "spiralling thoughts"?

Common triggers include stress, anxiety, trauma, and certain mental health conditions. Lifestyle factors like sleep deprivation and substance use can also contribute to "spiralling thoughts".

Is "spiralling thoughts" always a negative experience?

While often associated with anxiety and distress, "spiralling thoughts" can sometimes refer to deep contemplation or creative brainstorming where ideas build upon each other. However, it typically implies a loss of control and emotional distress.