think independently

USAGE SUMMARY

"Think independently" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are emphasizing the importance of making decisions without relying heavily on the views of other people. For example, "In this class, we will be encouraged to think independently and draw our own conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are full of passionate intensity"; those who think independently do so in independent ways.

Huffington Post

They would thus learn to think independently.

The New Yorker

(Students' responses might include robots' lack of emotions and inability to think independently).

The New York Times

The families said that a lot, but I think independently I couldn't agree more.

The New York Times

He said he and his fellow managers encouraged analysts to think independently.

The New York Times

After completing it, you will be better equipped to think independently and make more informed choices.

Stanford University

Learning to think independently and creatively in a mathematical setting takes time and lots of practice.

Princeton University

The emphasis will be on learning to think independently and creatively in the mathematical setting.

Princeton University

In the conservatory, he encourages students to compose for Chinese instruments and think independently.

The New York Times - Arts

The "wisdom of crowds" requires the space to think independently first.

The New York Times

And they need to be able to think independently of a device.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "think independently" to encourage critical evaluation and original thought in academic and professional settings.

Common error

Avoid using "think independently" to suggest isolation or disregard for collaborative input; emphasize that independent thought can complement teamwork and shared learning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think independently" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb "think". It describes the manner in which someone thinks, emphasizing the quality of being self-reliant and autonomous in one's thought process, such as showcased in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

29%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "think independently" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression across diverse contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it emphasizes the importance of autonomous thought and decision-making. Predominantly found in news, academic and scientific sources, this phrase encourages critical evaluation and the formation of original ideas. To foster this, one should promote open-ended questions and value diverse perspectives, remembering that independent thought complements teamwork, not isolates it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

think for yourself

A more direct and informal way of expressing the same concept.

form your own opinion

Focuses on the outcome of independent thought: arriving at a personal viewpoint.

exercise critical thinking

Emphasizes the analytical process involved in independent thought.

engage in independent reasoning

Highlights the rational and logical aspect of thinking for oneself.

use your own judgment

Highlights the application of personal discernment in decision-making.

develop original ideas

Focuses on creating new concepts through independent thought.

draw your own conclusions

Stresses the act of reaching personal judgments based on individual analysis.

arrive at your own understanding

Focuses on achieving a personal comprehension of a subject.

make autonomous decisions

Emphasizes the decision-making aspect of acting independently.

cultivate intellectual autonomy

Highlights the development of independent intellectual capacity.

FAQs

How can I encourage someone to "think independently"?

Promote open-ended questions, encourage exploration of diverse perspectives, and value original ideas. Avoid imposing your own views and instead, guide them to "form their own opinion".

What does it mean to "think independently" in a professional setting?

It means to analyze information critically, "draw your own conclusions" based on evidence, and contribute original ideas, rather than simply following established norms.

Is "thinking independently" the same as "thinking critically"?

While related, they aren't identical. "Thinking critically" involves analyzing information objectively, while "thinking independently" involves forming your own opinions and judgments, potentially challenging conventional wisdom. The former is about analysis, while the latter is about intellectual autonomy. Consider to "exercise critical thinking" in order to be able to "think for yourself".

What are the benefits of teaching children to "think independently"?

It fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and resilience. Children who "think independently" are better equipped to navigate complex situations, make informed decisions, and "develop original ideas".