strain of thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"strain of thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a particular line of reasoning or argument. For example, "He followed a different strain of thought than his opponent as he argued his case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

You're crazy.' " That pretty much captured one strain of thought among those who pass the sculpture every day.

The New York Times

And it's the strain of thought responsible for the Wright-themed advertising proposal that the New York Times exposed Thursday morning.

The New Yorker

While Mass Effect 3's ending has plenty of shortcomings, to change it after the fact is merely to allow a poisonous strain of thought to run rampant.

The New Yorker

Ever since Aristotle first warned about the perils of overindulgence, there has been a strain of thought that the moral life is the ascetic one.

The Economist

Mr. Papandreou, acutely aware of this strain of thought and the threat it poses to Greece, sought on Tuesday to calm passions.

The New York Times

That's hardly rational thinking, but its seems to be a popular strain of thought among young millennial women, who are flocking to become single mothers, according to a new report from Johns Hopkins University.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The realization of this tranquility set to work a new strain of thoughts.

Huffington Post

Some strain of thoughts interpret Holy text literally and some contextually.

Huffington Post

Two strains of thought contributed to the way intellectuals in the nineteen-fifties thought about the difference between high culture and low.

The New Yorker

Many strains of thought converge around Descartes and his physical remains.

The New York Times - Books

The coming together of these two strains of thought gave rise to Zionism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strain of thought" to describe a particular perspective or set of beliefs within a larger context, such as a political movement or social trend.

Common error

Avoid using "strain of thought" when you mean "train of thought". "Train of thought" refers to the sequence of thoughts in someone's mind, while "strain of thought" denotes a specific line of reasoning or a particular perspective on an issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strain of thought" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific perspective, ideology, or set of ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English writing. It refers to a particular line of reasoning or argument.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strain of thought" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a particular perspective or line of reasoning. Ludwig AI verifies its validity and offers various examples. As shown in the analysis, it appears most frequently in news media, science, and encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, remember that "strain of thought" is distinct from "train of thought". Consider alternatives like "school of thought" or "line of reasoning" to refine your meaning. The phrase plays a valuable role in categorizing diverse viewpoints across many fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

school of thought

Emphasizes a structured system of thinking, implying a more formalized or established intellectual tradition.

line of reasoning

Highlights the logical progression of ideas, focusing on the method of argumentation.

train of thought

Refers to the sequence of interconnected thoughts in someone's mind, often used in the context of a continuous, flowing stream of ideas.

intellectual current

Suggests a broader, societal trend in thinking, often impacting multiple individuals or groups.

prevailing belief

Focuses on the widespread acceptance of an idea or principle within a specific group or society.

philosophical position

Indicates a well-defined stance on a particular philosophical issue, often associated with specific thinkers or schools.

ideological stance

Highlights the political or social beliefs underlying a particular perspective.

conceptual framework

Emphasizes the organized structure of ideas used to understand a topic or issue.

cognitive approach

Focuses on the specific mental processes involved in thinking about and understanding something.

perspective

Offers a general alternative, referring to a particular way of viewing or understanding something.

FAQs

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

You can use "strain of thought" to describe a particular perspective or set of beliefs. For example, "That's hardly rational thinking, but it seems to be a popular "strain of thought" among young millennial women".

What phrases are similar to "strain of thought"?

Similar phrases include "school of thought", "line of reasoning", and "train of thought", each with slight differences in nuance.

Is "strain of thought" a formal or informal expression?

"Strain of thought" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in academic, news, and professional writing.

What's the difference between "strain of thought" and "school of thought"?

"School of thought" implies a more formalized or established intellectual tradition, while "strain of thought" can refer to a broader or less structured perspective.