thought alone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thought alone" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
Example: "The power of thought alone can inspire countless possibilities and drive one towards success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That thought alone might cause one to play out some alternate histories.

The New Yorker

That thought alone — from the Stonewall riots to the High Line in less than 50 years — should occupy social historians for generations.

The New York Times - Books

Integral to the Slender Man mythos, Vincent told the Guardian, is the Buddhist concept of "Tulpa" – a figure which is conjured into being through belief or thought alone.

The Guardian

Human-enhancement researchers at the University of Reading, for their part, are considering future technologies, such as embedded devices that enhance the senses or add new ones, and implants that improve memory or allow messages to be sent or devices to be controlled using thought alone.

The Economist

That thought alone may be enough to keep you up at night when you decide it's time to cash in on your years of hard work — as if there isn't enough pressure associated with every step of the sale of a business.

The New York Times

That thought alone should make all Western donors and United Nations officials pause long and hard before doling out more millions of dollars to support so-called democratic elections in Congo, Nigeria or, maybe this year, Sudan.Mr Collier also analyses the other factors that militate against the successful functioning of democracy and which cause violence in poor countries.

The Economist

In 2008, Darpa received an initial $4m in funding to start researching the concept of a helmet that uses EEG – electroencephalography, the placing of electrodes on the scalp to pick up electrical impulses – to transmit brain waves, allowing soldiers to communicate with each other via thought alone.

The Guardian - Tech

This thought alone is a great focal point for educators.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

"It does not matter if you elude my arms/my dear, when thought alone can imprison you".

BBC

That thought alone is terrifying".

Huffington Post

This thought alone should give us all pause.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thought alone" to emphasize the power of mental processes without physical action. For instance, "solving the problem through thought alone requires deep concentration".

Common error

While "thought alone" emphasizes mental effort, avoid exaggerating its capabilities in contexts where external factors significantly influence outcomes. For example, claiming "success came through thought alone", when networking was involved may be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thought alone" functions as an adverbial modifier, emphasizing that an action or result is achieved solely through mental processes without physical intervention. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and well-established.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thought alone" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that emphasizes the power and exclusivity of mental processes in achieving outcomes. As highlighted by Ludwig AI and numerous examples, it appears most commonly in news, media, and scientific contexts, conveying a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, be sure to accurately reflect the role of mental effort and avoid overstating its influence in situations involving external factors. Consider alternatives like "by thinking alone" or "solely through thought" to fine-tune the specific nuance. Remember to apply the phrase appropriately to enhance clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by thinking alone

This alternative emphasizes the process of thinking as the sole means.

solely through thought

This version explicitly indicates that thought is the only factor involved.

through contemplation only

This alternative highlights the act of contemplation and its exclusivity.

merely by thinking

This alternative stresses the simplicity and sufficiency of just thinking.

in thought alone

A shorter, more concise way to convey the same meaning.

purely through thinking

This underscores the purity and exclusiveness of the thinking process.

by sheer force of thought

This alternative accentuates the power and intensity of thinking.

through mental effort alone

This phrase specifies that mental effort is the only contributing factor.

by mental action alone

Highlights the mental action as the exclusive driver.

with thought as the only means

This explicitly states the exclusivity of thought as the method.

FAQs

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

You can use "thought alone" to emphasize that something is achieved purely through mental effort, as in, "She solved the puzzle through "thought alone".".

What are some alternatives to "thought alone"?

Alternatives include "by thinking alone", "solely through thought", or "merely by thinking", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "by thought alone" instead of "through thought alone"?

Both "by "thought alone"" and "through "thought alone"" are grammatically correct, but "through" often implies a process, while "by" suggests a means or method.

In what contexts is "thought alone" most appropriately used?

"Thought alone" is best used in contexts where mental effort is the primary or exclusive driver of an outcome, such as problem-solving, creative endeavors, or philosophical contemplation.