Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
the thinking that
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"the thinking that" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in explanatory or reflective sentences to introduce an idea or belief. For example: - "The thinking that drives our actions is perhaps the most important aspect of our character." - "I struggled with the decision, torn between the thinking that I should follow my heart and the thinking that I should listen to my head." - "The thinking that beauty is only skin deep is a harmful societal construct that devalues inner qualities." - "The company's success can be attributed to the progressive thinking that guides their business strategies."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Science
Alternative expressions(20)
the idea that
the rationale behind
the notion that
the principles guiding
the motivation behind
the attitude that
the reflection that
the concept that
the premise that
the judgement that
the thesis that
the reasoning that
the assumption that
the theme that
the theory that
the fact that
the principle that
the submission that
the proposition that
the belief that
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
60 human-written examples
And that's all the thinking that I allow myself".
News & Media
Nor will we explain the thinking that went into them.
News & Media
Clearly, it's the thinking that makes it so.
News & Media
This case study details the thinking that turned supply-chain innovation into brand loyalty.
Scholars reveal how to beat the thinking that causes late-stage motivation to flag.
Academia
It's a detailed window into the thinking that may animate Trump's environmental policymakers.
News & Media
Recent and ongoing wartime experience has discredited much of the thinking that underpinned the "Defense Transformation" effort in the 1990s.
Science
"You always want to see the thinking that makes a book from a magazine article".
News & Media
But, in Wershe's time, the thinking that gave rise to the original law carried the day.
News & Media
Here's some of the thinking that motivates me to oppose amnesty.
News & Media
The change sounds casually tossed off, but there is nothing unformed about the thinking that drives their choices.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "the thinking that" to clearly introduce a specific line of reasoning or set of assumptions that informs a decision, action, or perspective.
Common error
Avoid using "the thinking that" when a simpler, more direct statement of belief or opinion would suffice. For instance, instead of "The thinking that it will rain is why I brought an umbrella", try "I brought an umbrella because I think it will rain."
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "the thinking that" functions as a noun phrase introducing a subordinate clause that elaborates on the nature of the thinking. Ludwig examples show it often precedes an explanation or justification of a particular viewpoint or decision. This structure sets up a causal relationship between the thinking and its consequences.
Frequent in
News & Media
45%
Academia
25%
Science
15%
Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Wiki
3%
Reference
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "the thinking that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce and elaborate on underlying reasons, beliefs, or assumptions. As noted by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts. While grammatically correct and widely used, it's crucial to avoid redundancy by ensuring it adds value to the sentence, rather than simply restating a belief. The phrase invites critical analysis of the rationale behind decisions and perspectives, making it a valuable tool for clear and insightful communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
the idea that
Emphasizes the concept or belief being considered.
the rationale behind
Focuses on the logical justification or reasoning process.
the mindset that
Refers to a particular way of thinking or attitude.
the reasoning which
Highlights the process of drawing conclusions or making inferences.
the belief system that
Focuses on the set of beliefs influencing perspective.
the assumption under which
Highlights the underlying, often unstated, beliefs that influence thought.
the principles guiding
Highlights the fundamental rules or guidelines influencing decisions.
the philosophy underlying
Emphasizes the broad system of thought or values.
the motivation behind
Focuses on the driving force or incentive.
the logic supporting
Highlights the formal system of reasoning used to justify a claim.
FAQs
How can I use "the thinking that" in a sentence?
Use "the thinking that" to introduce a reason, belief, or set of assumptions behind a decision or action. For example, "The thinking that climate is a cost is wrong."
What are some alternatives to "the thinking that"?
Consider using phrases like "the idea that", "the rationale behind", or "the reasoning which" for similar meanings.
Is it always necessary to use "the thinking that", or can I simplify my sentence?
In many cases, you can simplify the sentence. For instance, instead of "The thinking that more money will solve the problem is flawed", try "I believe more money won't solve the problem."
What's the difference between "the thinking that" and "the notion that"?
"The thinking that" emphasizes the reasoning process, while "the notion that" highlights the concept or belief itself. The choice depends on whether you want to focus on the thought process or the idea being presented.
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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
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested