streams of thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "streams of thinking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the flow or progression of thoughts, often in a creative or reflective context. Example: "As I sat by the river, I found my mind wandering through streams of thinking about my past and future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Three streams of thinking fed into this civilisation/savagery construct.

The Guardian - Books

This paper attempts to coalesce these two streams of thinking with particular focus upon inclusive planning processes which may improve arid and semiarid rangeland ecosystems using livestock as a solution to the problem of land degradation.

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"This is vital to ensure a continuous stream of thinking Malaysians who are able to advance and build our nation".

The New York Times

By doing so, he seemed to be inviting individual Chinese to allow themselves to imagine a greater and more glorious role in the world for their country, thus placing himself solidly in this stream of thinking that goes back centuries.

The New York Times

"Brigitte represents a stream of thinking that unfortunately is not respected by many architects: that is, how things get built, the role of materials, and a direct relationship between construction and space-making," said Robert A. M. Stern, dean of the Yale School of Architecture, where Ms. Shim was a visiting professor last fall.

The New York Times

It's just a simple phrase that gets you back to the top of the beat and can start a new stream of thinking.

WikiHow

The stream of thinking has enormous momentum that can easily drag you along with it.

Huffington Post

This stops our constant stream of thinking, the voice in our head, which is often negative and self-defeating.

Huffington Post

"Per-stream is a really flawed way of thinking about it – it's not the way we pay or the way our model is built, and it's not the way people should be measuring it – but we appreciate people do talk about per-stream payments and want to ask the question," said Williamson.

The Guardian - Tech

It captures his restless intelligence, his quicksilver moods, his stream-of-consciousness thinking, veering from "personal insight or grand analysis to minute statistical detail".

The New York Times - Books

Exercise may simply open a window to stream-of-consciousness thinking and imagination.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "streams of thinking" to describe a continuous and evolving sequence of thoughts, especially when emphasizing the dynamic and fluid nature of cognitive processes.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "streams of thinking" with the literary technique "stream of consciousness", which is a specific narrative style that mimics the unstructured flow of thoughts. "Streams of thinking" is a broader term that can apply to any continuous thought process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "streams of thinking" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe the continuous and dynamic nature of cognitive processes. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase captures the ongoing flow and progression of thoughts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "streams of thinking" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, although Ludwig indicates it is not extremely common. It serves as a noun phrase that describes the continuous flow of cognitive processes. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it appears more frequently in news, scientific, and wiki sources. Ludwig's analysis reveals that the phrase is often used to analyze and describe the dynamic nature of thought. Related phrases such as "thought processes" and "train of thought" provide alternative ways to express similar concepts, each with slight differences in emphasis. Use "streams of thinking" when you want to emphasize the fluid and evolving nature of thought, but be mindful not to confuse it with the literary technique of "stream of consciousness".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cognitive flow

This is a more direct synonym, emphasizing the continuous and fluid nature of thinking.

thought processes

This alternative focuses on the method or way thoughts occur, rather than their continuous flow.

train of thought

This phrase suggests a sequence of connected thoughts, emphasizing the sequential aspect of thinking.

lines of reasoning

This alternative emphasizes the logical and structured aspect of thinking.

modes of thought

This alternative emphasizes the different styles or manners in which thinking occurs.

intellectual currents

This phrase uses a more metaphorical approach, suggesting the influence and flow of ideas.

cognitive patterns

This option highlights the recurring and structured nature of thought processes.

mental pathways

This alternative emphasizes the routes and connections between different thoughts.

intellectual avenues

This phrase focuses on the directions and paths taken in intellectual exploration.

conceptual frameworks

This phrase refers to the structured systems of ideas used for understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "streams of thinking" in a sentence?

You can use "streams of thinking" to describe the continuous flow of ideas or mental processes. For example: "The philosopher's lectures explored various "streams of thinking" that have shaped modern ethics."

What are some alternatives to "streams of thinking"?

Alternatives include "thought processes", "train of thought", or "lines of reasoning", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is "streams of thinking" a formal or informal phrase?

"Streams of thinking" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in academic or analytical writing. Its appropriateness depends on the surrounding vocabulary and overall tone of the text.

What's the difference between "streams of thinking" and "streams of thought"?

While very similar, "streams of thinking" generally refers to the process of thinking itself, whereas "streams of thought" often refers to the specific content or ideas that flow through one's mind. The terms are often used interchangeably but can have subtle differences in emphasis.