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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
subtle thoughts
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"subtle thoughts" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's ideas or opinions that are not easily noticed at first, but can be considered more deeply. For example, "Her subtle thoughts on the matter offered us a new perspective."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
6 human-written examples
Instead he made a psychic bid of four no-trump, with two subtle thoughts in mind.
News & Media
His many songs to a woman named Lilla are a happy blend of playful grace and subtle thoughts.
Encyclopedias
Stein's style makes subtle thoughts sound flat and straightforward, and it also lets straightforward, flat thoughts sound subtle.
News & Media
Without the emanations of this divine grace and loving-kindness, all the eloquent hymns and praises, the subtle thoughts of humanity in description of the deity, would be so much anthropomorphic nonsense (Masnavi 2: 1800-1804).
News & Media
The muscles have to respond to infinitesimally subtle thoughts, whims and energy.
News & Media
As Thoreau put it: "To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, nor even to found a school... it is to solve some of the problems of life not only theoretically, but practically".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
54 human-written examples
Maybe it was my joggled brain, but I was no longer capable of subtle thought.
News & Media
But the addiction model of celebrity comes with its own baggage, especially in a patient population prone to the subtle thought distortions of a brain under the influence.
News & Media
Mr. Obama, himself a constitutional lawyer, never tried to defend the literal meaning of his words; apparently he meant either to express a more subtle thought or merely to voice a common campaign point about how judges sometimes overreach.
News & Media
George Washington's famous admonition to "avoid foreign entanglements" is one of history's most notorious false quotations — a three-word compression of a more subtle thought about avoiding Europe's squabbles.
News & Media
Expressing much while often saying little, Jones proves once again to be a mesmerising screen presence, a performer behind whose face you can see the most complex and subtle thought processes at work.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing someone's intellectual capacity, use "subtle thoughts" to highlight their ability to perceive and articulate nuances that others might miss. This suggests a high level of sophistication and attention to detail.
Common error
Avoid using "subtle thoughts" when describing basic or easily understood ideas. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the ideas are genuinely complex or require deeper contemplation. Misapplication can make your writing sound pretentious or unclear.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "subtle thoughts" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "subtle" modifies the noun "thoughts". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, suggesting its role in describing nuanced or understated ideas.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Encyclopedias
30%
Science
30%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Academia
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "subtle thoughts" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes nuanced or understated ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase appears most often in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. It's a powerful way to express sophistication and complexity in thinking, inviting deeper contemplation. When using this phrase, remember to reserve it for contexts where the ideas are genuinely intricate, and be mindful of potential misinterpretations. Consider alternatives like "nuanced ideas" or "understated ideas" for greater clarity or impact.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
subtle concepts
Replaces "thoughts" with a synonym that focuses on abstract ideas.
nuanced ideas
Emphasizes the complexity and slight variations within the ideas themselves.
understated ideas
Highlights the subtle presentation or expression of the ideas.
delicate concepts
Focuses on the fragile or sensitive nature of the concepts.
nuanced perceptions
Shifts the focus to the act of perceiving, emphasizing the subtlety of the understanding.
faint notions
Suggests the ideas are barely formed or perceived.
refined ideas
Implies the ideas have been carefully developed and perfected.
implicit ideas
Highlights the indirect or unspoken nature of the ideas.
underlying assumptions
Focuses on foundational beliefs that may not be explicitly stated.
delicate reflections
Emphasizes the careful and sensitive consideration involved in thinking.
FAQs
How can I use "subtle thoughts" in a sentence?
You can use "subtle thoughts" to describe nuanced or understated ideas. For example, "The philosopher's work was known for its "subtle thoughts" on human existence."
What are some alternatives to "subtle thoughts"?
Alternatives include "nuanced ideas", "understated ideas", or "delicate concepts", depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.
When is it appropriate to use the phrase "subtle thoughts"?
It's appropriate when you want to highlight the intricate, understated, or not immediately obvious nature of someone's ideas or reflections. Avoid using it for simple or easily understood concepts.
What is the difference between "subtle thoughts" and "sophisticated thoughts"?
"Subtle thoughts" emphasizes the understated and nuanced nature of the ideas, while "sophisticated thoughts" implies a high level of complexity, refinement, and intellectual depth. The former is about the fineness of detail, the latter about the overall intellectual quality.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested