the single thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the single thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one specific idea or concept that stands out among others. Example: "In the midst of chaos, the single thought that kept her grounded was the love for her family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

That's the single thought.

The New York Times - Sports

The Great Banality Carpet woven on the Great Loom of the Single Thought.

Independent

Our waitress one night had apparently been told by management that the single thought to keep in mind — the single syllable — was glum.

The New York Times - Food

In fact, the well-known spreading across the European institutions of the single thought on the development of the European model weakens democratic debate, distances many citizens and narrows Europe's horizons.

EU Parlament

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The 70s – fuck!" That single thought dominated the online discussion of the interview (aside from the frequent interjections of admiration for Bettany himself – he "is one of those actors whose presence makes anything 27% better", asserted MrGreyhame).

The Guardian

And that this single thought, if continuously repeated in some creative form, will do 100% of the job of selling.

The Guardian

We heard shooting and explosions through the night; we were sick and worried, with the same, single thought: Hama all over again!

The New Yorker

For the sake of a nation at war and facing a trillion-dollar deficit, hopefully, he hasn't given the matter a single thought since.

The New York Times - Sports

The memories, and the YouTube clips, coalesced in a simple, single thought: the best bowlers took most of their wickets by drawing batsmen forward, bowling them or finding the outside edge.

BBC

Frederic Sanchez, the music producer, cut and extended Mr. Glass's symphony, "Heroes," so that the composer's thunder dominated the scene and reinforced the impression of a single thought.

The New York Times

"I'm amazed at how many homes are oriented toward the road without giving a single thought to the sun".

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the single thought" to emphasize a specific idea that is central to your argument or narrative. This helps to focus the reader's attention on the most important concept.

Common error

Avoid using "the single thought" repeatedly within a short span, as it can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the single thought" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It highlights one particular idea among many, emphasizing its importance. This aligns with Ludwig's examples, showcasing its use in focusing attention on a specific concept.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the single thought" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for emphasizing a specific idea or concept. Ludwig's analysis shows it's most commonly found in news and media contexts. While not extremely frequent, its consistent use across credible sources validates its appropriateness in formal and informal writing. To enhance your writing, remember to use it sparingly to avoid monotony, and consider alternatives like "the main idea" or "the key thought" for variety. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and provides examples for effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the prevailing idea

Replaces 'single' with 'prevailing', emphasizing the dominance of the thought.

the main idea

Substitutes 'single thought' with 'main idea', simplifying the phrase while maintaining core meaning.

the key thought

Replaces 'single' with 'key', focusing on the essential nature of the thought.

the central idea

Replaces 'single' with 'central' to highlight the core aspect of the idea.

the dominant thought

Replaces 'single' with 'dominant', stressing the influence of the thought.

the primary thought

Replaces 'single' with 'primary', indicating the thought's foremost importance.

the one thought

Replaces 'single' with 'one', simplifying the phrase while retaining focus.

the sole consideration

Shifts from 'thought' to 'consideration' focusing on the importance of the single thought.

the singular focus

Replaces 'thought' with 'focus', emphasizing concentration on one idea.

the only thing that matters

Expresses the idea that only one thought is important, in a more emphatic way.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "the single thought" in a sentence?

Use "the single thought" to highlight a specific idea that is most important in a given context. For instance, "Amidst the chaos, "the single thought" that calmed her was of her family".

What are some alternatives to using "the single thought"?

You can use alternatives like "the prevailing idea", "the main idea", or "the key thought" to convey a similar meaning while varying your language.

Is it grammatically correct to use "the single thought"?

Yes, "the single thought" is grammatically correct and functions as a noun phrase, typically used to emphasize a particular idea or concept.

In what contexts is "the single thought" most appropriately used?

"The single thought" is suitable in contexts where you want to emphasize a solitary, dominant idea, whether in narrative, analytical, or persuasive writing.