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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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subtle thoughts

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

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

The New York Times

His many songs to a woman named Lilla are a happy blend of playful grace and subtle thoughts.

Stein's style makes subtle thoughts sound flat and straightforward, and it also lets straightforward, flat thoughts sound subtle.

News & Media

The New Yorker

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).

The muscles have to respond to infinitesimally subtle thoughts, whims and energy.

News & Media

Los Angeles Times

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

Huffington Post

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

The New York Times

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.

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

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.

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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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

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.

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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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: