think expansively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "think expansively" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to broaden their perspective or consider a wider range of possibilities in their thinking. Example: "In order to innovate, we must learn to think expansively and explore new ideas without limitations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

If they do have a symbolic meaning, it is not about the meaning of a symbol but about the right to symbolize, to think expansively and metaphorically in a city given to thinking economically about nearly everything.

The New Yorker

For example, I can think expansively.

Columbia University

A simple lesson may be that anyone keeping Presidents safe has to think expansively about networks.

The New Yorker

As my granddad always says, please drink responsibly, and think expansively.

The Guardian - Travel

We should think expansively about how to construct similar programs that enable much needed integration of these mutually dependent sectors.

The New York Times

There appears, we would argue, some critical lacunae once we think expansively about the concept of "difference" itself.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

There's some evidence he thinks expansively about business because he built a billion-dollar empire out of what he called a "small" $1 million loan from his father, an inheritance of at least $40 million and repeated help from bankruptcy courts.

Huffington Post

For Ms. Tucker, curating the show forced her to think more expansively about war.

The New York Times

But crossing the digital divide is also about being able to think more expansively, he said.

The New York Times

You'll think more expansively about your objectives if you come up with many possibilities before deciding what's most important, get input from others, and then carefully examine one goal at a time.

Harvard Business Review

The Bose grant has allowed her to think more expansively about her research, created exciting opportunities for her students, and enabled her to pursue a project that engages multiple disciplines, including some that are completely new to her. "You learn a lot that way.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "think expansively" when you want to encourage someone to broaden their perspective and explore unconventional solutions.

Common error

Don't prematurely narrow your focus. "Thinking expansively" requires resisting the urge to dismiss ideas without thorough consideration. Prematurely dismissing ideas will prevent innovation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think expansively" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to adopt a broader and more comprehensive approach to their thoughts and considerations. It can also function as a gerund (thinking expansively) or as a descriptive adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by describing how the action should be performed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "think expansively" is a call to broaden one's perspective and consider a wider range of possibilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and readily usable in English. It encourages a mindset that embraces creativity, innovation, and thoroughness. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, as well as academic contexts. When using "think expansively", avoid limiting the scope of your thinking too early and be open to unconventional solutions. Alternatives include "think broadly" and "think creatively". By encouraging comprehensive consideration, this phrase serves as a valuable tool for problem-solving and strategic planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

think broadly

Focuses on the breadth of thought rather than the depth or detail.

consider widely

Stresses the extensive nature of consideration.

think creatively

Emphasizes imaginative and original thought.

expand your mind

Focuses on personal mental growth and openness.

enlarge your perspective

Highlights the act of making one's viewpoint more encompassing.

think outside the box

Highlights unconventional and innovative thinking.

open your mind

Emphasizes receptiveness to new ideas and perspectives.

explore all options

Stresses the importance of considering various possibilities.

brainstorm extensively

Highlights a comprehensive idea-generating session.

think deeply

Focuses on profound and thorough thought.

FAQs

How can I use "think expansively" in a sentence?

You can use "think expansively" to encourage someone to consider all possibilities or to approach a problem with a broad perspective. For instance, "To solve this complex issue, we need to "think expansively" and consider unconventional solutions".

What is another way to say "think expansively"?

Alternatives to "think expansively" include "think broadly", "think creatively", or "consider widely". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "thinking expansively"?

Yes, "thinking expansively" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It often functions as a gerund or present participle, such as in the sentence, "Thinking expansively is crucial for innovation".

What does it mean to "think expansively" in a business context?

In a business context, to "think expansively" means to consider a wide range of potential strategies, markets, or solutions without being limited by conventional thinking or existing constraints. It involves exploring all options and encouraging innovation.