strand of thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"strand of thought" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to an individual's thoughts on a certain subject or idea. For example, "I can't seem to untangle my own strand of thought on this issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The first strand of thought questions whether there has been a slowdown at all.

Yale University

I know this strand of thought runs through much of what your inner circle believes in.

The Guardian

This is potentially quite serious because Conservative Way Forward represents one important strand of thought in the party.

The Guardian

So persuasive is the strand of thought that it has attracted backing from respected public figures such as Sir David Attenborough, Jonathon Porritt and Chris Packham.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is in every society a strand of thought that glories in the myth of rugged individualism [and] he challenges that notion.

The Guardian

That strand of thought, however slender among the other huge issues, was evident at the protest demonstrations on behalf of Mr. Ahmadinejad's principal challenger, Mir Hussein Moussavi.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Populism is divided into several strands of thought.

The Washington Post

There are two main strands of thought on this question in the literature.

University of California, Berkeley

So those are the two strands of thought that I am pursuing in my year here.

Harvard University

Opinion polls suggest that two strands of thought dominate on each side of the Atlantic.

The Guardian

They are among the many strands of thought that lie behind "renaissance" thinking, and indeed behind humanism too.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strand of thought" to refer to a specific idea or line of reasoning that can be followed and developed in a discussion or piece of writing. It helps to isolate and focus on a particular aspect of a larger topic.

Common error

Avoid using "strand of thought" interchangeably with broader terms like "thinking" or "ideas". "Strand of thought" implies a connected sequence or line of reasoning, not just general thoughts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strand of thought" functions as a noun phrase that refers to a particular line of reasoning or a connected series of ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase to express individual thoughts on a specific subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

27%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strand of thought" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to a particular line of reasoning or connected series of ideas. As Ludwig AI validates, it is grammatically correct and effectively communicates a specific line of thinking on a subject. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, the phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone. When writing, use "strand of thought" to isolate a particular aspect of an idea within a larger context, differentiating it from broader terms like "thinking" or "ideas". Alternatives such as "train of thought" or "line of reasoning" offer similar meanings with subtle variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

train of thought

Focuses on the sequential and connected nature of thoughts, rather than a single line.

line of reasoning

Emphasizes the logical progression and justification within a thought process.

course of thinking

Highlights the direction and path that thinking takes.

thread of an idea

Emphasizes a single, continuous element within a larger concept.

intellectual current

Suggests a prevailing or influential way of thinking within a group or society.

conceptual pathway

Emphasizes the structured and progressive nature of understanding a concept.

mode of reflection

Focuses on the manner or style of thinking about something.

intellectual perspective

Highlights a specific viewpoint or angle from which an idea is considered.

tenor of contemplation

Suggests the general character or tone of deep thought.

a school of thought

Refers to a particular philosophical or intellectual movement or system.

FAQs

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

You can use "strand of thought" to refer to a specific line of reasoning or idea, as in: "This "strand of thought" runs through much of what your inner circle believes in."

What's a good alternative to "strand of thought"?

Consider using "train of thought" or "line of reasoning" as alternatives to "strand of thought", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "strand of thought" formal or informal?

"Strand of thought" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more commonly found in academic, news, and professional settings.

How does "strand of thought" differ from "stream of consciousness"?

"Strand of thought" refers to a focused line of reasoning, whereas "stream of consciousness" describes a continuous flow of thoughts, often without clear direction or focus.