the thought that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the thought that" is correct and commonly used in written English.
One common way to use it is to introduce a thought or belief that someone has: - The thought that she might fail the exam made her anxious. - He couldn't shake off the thought that he had forgotten something important. Another way to use it is to introduce a reason or explanation for something: - The thought that they were lost in the woods sent shivers down her spine. - The thought that it was going to rain made her bring an umbrella. It can also be used to introduce a specific idea or concept: - Have you ever stopped to consider the thought that everything in the universe is connected? - The thought that money isn't everything is hard to accept in our society.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's the thought that counts Christian.

The Guardian - Film

Like any holiday gift, it's the thought that counts".

The New York Times

"It's the thought that counts" was the creed.

The New Yorker

It's the thought that counts but, still, £10!

The Guardian - Sport

Big bucks, or "it's the thought that counts"?

The New York Times

It intensifies the feeling that "it's the thought that counts".

The New York Times

I've lost the thought that brought me here.

The New York Times

That's the thought that comforts me now.

Los Angeles Times

Remember, it's still the thought that counts!

Huffington Post

It is the thought that counts!

Huffington Post

But hey, it's the thought that counts!

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the thought that" to clearly introduce a belief, idea, or reason, ensuring the following clause provides specific and detailed information to support the initial thought.

Common error

Avoid using "the thought that" repeatedly within a short paragraph. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "the idea that", "the belief that", or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the thought that" functions as a noun phrase introducing a subordinate clause. It typically serves to specify the content of a thought, belief, or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used. The phrase prefaces a statement expressing what someone is thinking or considering.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the thought that" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a thought, belief, or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it sees frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news, media, science, and encyclopedic sources. While adaptable to different registers, it generally maintains a neutral to formal tone. To enhance writing, avoid overuse in close proximity and ensure clarity by providing detailed support for the introduced thought. You can also consider related phrases such as "the idea that" or "the belief that" to improve style and readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the idea that

Emphasizes a concept or notion being considered.

the notion that

Highlights a particular belief or conception.

the belief that

Focuses on a conviction or firmly held opinion.

the feeling that

Indicates a subjective sense or intuition.

the impression that

Suggests an understanding derived from observation.

the consideration that

Stresses the act of thinking carefully about something.

the assumption that

Implies a presupposition or something taken for granted.

the hypothesis that

Introduces a proposed explanation or starting point for investigation.

the supposition that

Denotes a belief held without sufficient evidence.

the conclusion that

Signifies a judgment or decision reached after deliberation.

FAQs

How can I use "the thought that" in a sentence?

Use "the thought that" to introduce a belief, idea, or consideration. For example, "The thought that she might be late worried him."

What phrases are similar to "the thought that"?

Similar phrases include "the idea that", "the belief that", or "the notion that", each conveying a slightly different nuance of consideration or conviction.

Is it correct to use "the thought that" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Starting a sentence with "the thought that" is a common way to introduce a concept or premise.

Can "the thought that" be replaced with a simpler phrase?

In some contexts, you can replace "the thought that" with "the idea of" or "that" depending on the sentence structure and intended meaning.