this thought

USAGE SUMMARY

'this thought' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce an idea, or a concept that you are discussing. For example, "This thought has been shared by many people throughout history - that happiness should be the ultimate goal of life".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Consider this thought experiment.

The New York Times

He lets this thought unspool.

The New Yorker

This thought sustains us.

The Guardian - Travel

This thought is breathtaking.

The Guardian

I realized that this thought was absurd.

The New Yorker

This thought was not pleasing to him.

The New Yorker

Dunham is outraged by this thought.

Independent

I experienced this thought as my own.

The New York Times

But this thought arises: what idea?

The New York Times

I mustn't lose this thought.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Tim Beshara shares this thought.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this thought" to introduce a specific idea or concept that you want to emphasize or discuss in detail. It can effectively signal a transition or highlight a key element in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "this thought" repeatedly within a short span of text, as it can make your writing sound redundant. Try to use related terms such as "this idea" or "this concept" to improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this thought" functions as a demonstrative determiner followed by a noun. It serves to introduce or highlight a specific idea or concept that is being discussed. As Ludwig AI explains, it is perfectly usable in written English to introduce an idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this thought" is a versatile and frequently used phrase across diverse contexts. Functioning as a demonstrative phrase, it effectively introduces and emphasizes specific ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, it finds prominent use in news media and academic settings. When using "this thought", consider alternatives like "this idea" or "this concept" to avoid redundancy and enhance clarity. Its widespread occurrence, particularly in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, underscores its relevance and acceptance in standard English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this idea

Replaces 'thought' with 'idea', focusing on the conceptual aspect.

this notion

Substitutes 'thought' with 'notion', implying a more general or abstract concept.

this concept

Uses 'concept' instead of 'thought', highlighting the theoretical or abstract nature.

this reasoning

Replaces 'thought' with 'reasoning', focusing on the logical process behind the idea.

this line of thinking

Offers a more descriptive alternative, emphasizing the process and direction of the thought.

this point

Simplifies the phrase to 'point', highlighting a specific element within the thought.

this consideration

Substitutes 'thought' with 'consideration', framing it as something to be taken into account.

this perspective

Replaces 'thought' with 'perspective', highlighting a particular viewpoint or angle.

the present idea

Rephrases the expression using 'the present idea', adding emphasis on the current relevance.

the aforementioned idea

Refers to an idea previously mentioned, providing a formal connection to prior discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "this thought" in a sentence?

You can use "this thought" to introduce a concept or idea you're about to explain. For example, "This thought, that everyone deserves equal opportunity, is fundamental to our mission."

What are some alternatives to "this thought"?

You can use alternatives like "this idea", "this notion", or "this concept", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "these thoughts" instead of "this thought"?

Yes, "these thoughts" is correct when referring to multiple ideas or concepts. "This thought" is singular and refers to a single, specific idea.

What's the difference between "this thought" and "that thought"?

"This thought" usually refers to an idea that's currently being discussed or is immediately relevant. "That thought" typically refers to an idea that was previously mentioned or is slightly more distant in the conversation.