states of thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"states of thought" is a correct and usable term in written English.
For example, you can use it to refer to a person's internal dialogue: "John had trouble concentrating due to the chaotic states of thought running through his head."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Around the same time, "Night Fantasies" (1980), an evocative description of the fleeting states of thought one experiences between sleep and wakefulness, was the first in a stream of solo instrumental pieces for guitar, violin, trombone, flute, harp, clarinet, cello and piano.

The New York Times - Arts

If the online and offline states of thought are distinct modes of cognitive operation, the relationship between PD and RT should be highly nonlinear, with a sharp rise in PD in a narrow transition zone between two relatively stable states: the online mode – small PD and fast RT – and the offline mode – slow RT and large PD.

Plosone

Nonetheless, it indicates well enough the challenges that still face theorists of "emotion," especially the need somehow to articulate the assumed relationships between physiological processes and mental experiences, and between states of feeling and states of thought.

Emotion Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It explains some of the subtleties of psychosomatic medicine and how the body reflects our internal state of thought and feeling.

Huffington Post

Instead of feeling the need to escape reality, think of it as a time to act on the natural desire to contemplate the nature and harmony of the things of the Spirit -- what some say is reality -- and freedom to experience the rewarding effect such a state of thought can have on one's health and attitude.

Huffington Post

Finally, this document is also meant for officials in governments, social security agencies and reimbursement agencies, since it provides the current state of thought in the area of RA management and is based on as much evidence as was available.

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

Our mind is a war state of thoughts, articulating emotions that expand to our heart and let us feel.

WikiHow

Perhaps we can attain a state of critical thought only through the process of questioning.

The New York Times

Well this level of "No Shit, Sherlock" is the point at which I feel the state of entrepreneurial thought has devolved to -- especially the constant emphasis on "hustle".

Huffington Post

Both genius and madness, Huxley hinted, lay in these extreme states of mind — a thought not so different from those expressed by De Quincey, Coleridge, and Baudelaire in relation to their own ambiguous experiences with opium and hashish (and explored at length in Moreau's 1845 book "Hashish and Mental Illness").

The New Yorker

This is one aspect in which states of affairs and thoughts are distinct: states of affairs contain objects and properties, while thoughts contain modes of presentation of these things.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "states of thought" to refer to temporary or fluctuating mental conditions. It can be particularly useful in describing transient mental states or shifts in perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "states of thought" to describe permanent personality traits or deeply ingrained beliefs. Instead, use it for more temporary or changeable mental conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "states of thought" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It describes the condition or mode of thinking, often referring to transient or fluctuating mental conditions. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, serving to denote a person's internal dialogue or cognitive status.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "states of thought" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe conditions or modes of thinking. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Although not exceedingly common, it appears in diverse contexts like news, science, and encyclopedias, with a neutral to formal register. It's most appropriate for analytical and descriptive writing that delves into the nature and dynamics of cognitive processes, and should be distinguished from terms describing fixed traits or general mental well-being. When aiming for similar concepts, consider alternatives like "cognitive states" or "mental conditions" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cognitive states

Emphasizes the mental processes involved in thinking.

cognitive processes

Focuses on the mechanics and operations of thinking.

mental conditions

Focuses on the overall state of the mind, including emotional and psychological aspects.

thought patterns

Highlights the recurring and habitual ways of thinking.

streams of consciousness

Highlights the continuous and flowing nature of thought.

lines of reasoning

Refers to the specific paths and methods used in thinking.

inner monologues

Refers to the internal dialogue and self-talk that constitutes thinking.

intellectual frameworks

Indicates the broader systems and structures that shape thinking.

modes of perception

Focuses on how thinking is shaped by sensory input and interpretation.

mental landscapes

Emphasizes the subjective and experiential aspects of thinking.

FAQs

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

You can use "states of thought" to describe someone's current mental condition, for example: "The novel explored the character's complex "states of thought" as they grappled with difficult decisions."

What are some alternatives to "states of thought"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "cognitive states", "mental conditions", or "thought patterns".

Is "states of thought" formal or informal?

"States of thought" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in academic or analytical writing.

What's the difference between "states of thought" and "states of mind"?

While similar, "states of mind" is broader and encompasses emotions and overall mental well-being, whereas "states of thought" specifically refers to cognitive processes and patterns.