the thinking behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the thinking behind" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the underlying ideas or rationale behind a decision or action. Example: "Let me explain the thinking behind our new marketing strategy. We wanted to target a younger demographic and increase brand awareness through social media platforms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I definitely understand the thinking behind it".

The New York Times - Sports

That was the thinking behind it.

Independent

That was the thinking behind Miss Lily's.

The New York Times

This is the thinking behind Biosense.

The Guardian

"The thinking behind these rules is wrong.

The Guardian

I can understand the reasoning or the thinking behind it.

Independent

Indeed, this is the thinking behind the Thunderbird-Laureate deal.

The Economist

Most big insurers welcome the thinking behind these changes.

The Economist

That was part of the thinking behind the Tetley deal.

The Economist

Or at least that's the thinking behind it.

The New York Times - Health

The thinking behind CSR does not meet that test.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing a complex situation, use "the thinking behind" to clearly articulate the core reasoning that led to a particular outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "the thinking behind" when a simpler phrase like "the reason for" or "why" would suffice. This keeps your writing concise and direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the thinking behind" functions as a noun phrase that introduces an explanation or rationale. It usually precedes a noun or pronoun that refers to the decision, action, or concept being explained. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the thinking behind" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce the rationale or reasoning behind a decision, idea, or action. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across various contexts. It is most prevalent in News & Media sources, but also appears frequently in Formal & Business and Science contexts. While it's suitable for a range of formality levels, simpler alternatives can be considered in very informal situations. When writing, use it to clearly articulate the core reasoning behind an outcome, avoiding overuse in simple explanations. High-quality sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ the phrase, solidifying its credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the rationale for

Focuses on the logical justification or basis for something.

the reason behind

Emphasizes the cause or motive for something.

the motivation for

Highlights the driving force or incentive behind an action or decision.

the purpose of

Focuses on the intended aim or goal of something.

the principle guiding

Highlights the core belief or value that shapes something.

the philosophy of

Refers to the underlying set of beliefs or principles.

the logic underpinning

Emphasizes the rational basis or system of reasoning supporting something.

the intent of

Focuses on the planned or desired outcome.

the consideration behind

Highlights a factor or point that was taken into account.

the strategy behind

Refers to a plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim.

FAQs

How can I use "the thinking behind" in a sentence?

You can use "the thinking behind" to introduce the reasoning or rationale for a decision, plan, or action. For example, "Let me explain "the thinking behind" our new marketing strategy."

What's a simpler alternative to "the thinking behind"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "the reason for", "the motivation for", or "the purpose of" instead of "the thinking behind".

Is "the thinking behind" formal or informal?

The thinking behind is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider using simpler alternatives like "why" or "the reason" in very informal settings.

What is the difference between "the thinking behind" and "the idea behind"?

"The idea behind" refers to the core concept or notion, while "the thinking behind" encompasses the entire line of reasoning and considerations that led to the idea or decision. They are often interchangeable but not always.