think tank

USAGE SUMMARY

"think tank" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a group of people who come together to discuss solutions to specific issues. Example sentence: A prominent think tank released a report stating that the government should invest in public education.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The think tank soon delivered.

The New York Times

We would suggest listening to Think Tank.

The Guardian - Music

His think tank, ResPublica, is influential with the Conservative Party.

The New York Times

That's a big part of my think tank.

The New York Times

think tank.

Forbes

Think Tank or Mountebank?

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

It says it is a think-tank.

The Economist

The think-tank analysts retain their phones and computers.

The New Yorker

But the IPPR think-tank estimates an £8bn shortfall.

Independent

He sometimes speaks in jargon and think-tank waffle.

The Economist

Policy Network, another think-tank, recently published an updated version.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about specific organizations, verify if they self-identify as a "think tank" or prefer a different term like "research institute" or "policy center".

Common error

Avoid assuming all "think tanks" are politically neutral. Many are affiliated with specific political ideologies or parties, which can influence their research and recommendations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "think tank" is that of a noun, typically used to denote an organization or group that conducts research and provides advice on issues such as policy and strategy. Ludwig AI confirms that this is how the term is most frequently understood and used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "think tank" is a frequently used noun phrase referring to an organization conducting research and offering solutions on various issues. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While the term is generally neutral, it's important to recognize that some "think tanks" are associated with particular political views. Alternative terms include "research institute" or "policy center". Best practice involves verifying an organization's preferred term and being aware of potential political affiliations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

research institute

Replaces 'think' with 'research', emphasizing the research-oriented nature of the group.

policy institute

Focuses on the policy-related work often done by think tanks.

strategic studies center

Highlights the strategic focus of the organization.

research organization

A more general term emphasizing the organizational aspect of research.

policy analysis group

Emphasizes the group dynamic and analytical work related to policy.

ideas incubator

Metaphorically describes a place where ideas are developed.

expert panel

Highlights the expertise of the individuals involved.

advisory group

Focuses on the advisory role of the organization.

planning council

Emphasizes planning and strategic thinking.

brain trust

An older, less formal term for a group of experts.

FAQs

How is the term "think tank" typically used in a sentence?

The term "think tank" is generally used as a noun, referring to an organization or a group within an organization that conducts research and proposes solutions on various issues. For instance: "The Brookings Institution is a well-known "think tank" in Washington, D.C."

What are some alternatives to "think tank"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "research institute", "policy center", or "strategic studies center".

Is it appropriate to use "think tank" in formal writing?

Yes, "think tank" is a recognized and acceptable term in formal writing, particularly in contexts related to policy, research, and strategic analysis. However, consider your audience and the specific context to determine if a more precise term, such as "research institute", would be more suitable.

What's the difference between a "think tank" and a lobbying group?

While some "think tanks" may engage in advocacy, their primary function is to conduct research and develop policy recommendations. Lobbying groups, on the other hand, are primarily focused on influencing legislation and government policy directly. Some "think tanks" may have affiliations or partnerships with lobbying groups, but their core activities differ.