the thinking is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the thinking is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a thought process or reasoning behind a statement or decision. Example: "The thinking is that by implementing these changes, we can improve overall efficiency in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think the thinking is that I could be persuaded to go back.

The New York Times - Books

The thinking is this.

The New York Times

The thinking is that if the I.M.F.

The New York Times

Benefits savings The thinking is not groundbreaking.

The Guardian

"The thinking is to give absolutely everything to qualify.

Independent

But the thinking is edging the right way.

The Economist

The thinking is that sandpaper rackets foster longer volleys.

The New York Times

To me the thinking is the wrong way round.

The Guardian

And the thinking is taking place at much higher levels".

The New York Times

The thinking is, he said, "If I only had..

The New York Times - Science

The problem, though, is that the thinking is patchy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the thinking is" to clearly introduce an explanation or justification for a decision, strategy, or belief.

Common error

Avoid using "the thinking is" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your sentence structure with phrases like "the rationale is" or "the reasoning behind this is" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the thinking is" functions as an introductory phrase, primarily to introduce a reason, rationale, or explanation for a subsequent statement or action. It serves to clarify the underlying thought process, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the thinking is" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a rationale, explanation, or justification. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly employed across diverse contexts, notably in news, science and business. While suitable for formal communication, varying sentence structure is advised to prevent overuse. The phrase’s function is to clarify the underlying thought process, making reasoning transparent. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is widely accepted and used. Alternative expressions such as "the rationale is" or "the reasoning is" can provide stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The rationale is

Replaces "thinking" with "rationale", focusing on the logical basis.

The reasoning is

Substitutes "thinking" with "reasoning", emphasizing the justification.

The idea is

Replaces "thinking" with "idea", highlighting the core concept.

The premise is

Focuses on the foundational assumption or basis of the argument.

The theory is

Presents the concept as a formal or informal theory.

The belief is

Highlights the element of conviction or faith in the reasoning.

The assumption is

Emphasizes that the reasoning is based on an unproven belief.

The understanding is

Focuses on a shared or common comprehension.

The prevailing view is

Indicates a widespread or dominant opinion.

It is believed that

Uses a passive construction to present the thought process.

FAQs

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

You can use "the thinking is" to introduce a rationale or explanation. For example, "The company decided to invest in new technology; "the thinking is" that it will increase productivity."

What are some alternatives to "the thinking is"?

Alternatives include "the rationale is", "the reasoning is", or "the idea is". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.

Is it acceptable to use "the thinking is" in formal writing?

Yes, "the thinking is" is generally acceptable, especially in journalistic and analytical writing. However, in extremely formal contexts, consider alternatives like "the rationale behind this is".

What's the difference between "the thinking is" and "the thought is"?

"The thinking is" usually refers to a developed line of reasoning or a widespread belief, while "the thought is" refers to a single, possibly fleeting, idea. For example, "The thinking is that this strategy will yield long-term benefits" versus "The thought is, we should try a different approach."