thought patterns

USAGE SUMMARY

"thought patterns" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to the recurring ways in which a person thinks or processes information. It can be used in various contexts, such as psychology, self-reflection, and communication. Example: His negative thought patterns often lead him to overanalyze situations and miss out on opportunities for growth. Here, "thought patterns" is used to describe the habitual way in which the person thinks, which has a negative impact on their actions and decisions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Here is how the science works: In a vicious cycle, thought patterns create grooves in neural pathways, in turn reinforcing the same thought patterns.

Huffington Post

Kids change your thought patterns around.

The New York Times - Science

It's to do with your thought patterns.

Independent

"Along with their ability comes the thought patterns and timing.

The Guardian - Sport

This provides clues to the subject's subconscious thought patterns.

The Economist

This is the age of the humanists; we're leaving medieval thought patterns behind.

The Guardian

Clients are then able to understand and change dysfunctional thought patterns.

The New York Times

Instead of disengaging and moving on, we find ourselves digging deeper into negative thought patterns.

The Guardian

They challenge assumptions, unsettle cosily habitual thought patterns and mock stereotypical behaviour.

The Guardian - Arts

Drop in on a meditation class and force yourself to examine your own negative thought patterns.

The Guardian

He now meditates every night and knows how to control his negative thought patterns.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing psychological concepts or self-improvement strategies, use "thought patterns" to highlight the repeated and identifiable nature of someone's thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "thought patterns" to describe isolated or one-time thoughts. "Thought patterns" implies a recurring and consistent way of thinking, not just a random idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thought patterns" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to recurring ways in which a person thinks or processes information. It's often used in contexts related to psychology, self-reflection, and personal development, as demonstrated by numerous examples in the search data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thought patterns" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase referring to recurring ways of thinking. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly employed in discussions related to psychology, self-improvement, and cognitive processes. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, especially within news, scientific, and self-help domains. To enhance writing, remember that "thought patterns" denotes consistent ways of thinking, not fleeting thoughts. Related phrases like "thinking habits" or "cognitive patterns" can offer nuanced alternatives. Identifying and modifying these patterns is often a key focus in therapeutic and self-improvement practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thinking habits

Focuses on the habitual aspect of thought, similar to patterns but emphasizes habit formation.

mental habits

Similar to thinking habits, but emphasizes the mental aspect.

cognitive patterns

Highlights the cognitive processes involved, making it suitable for psychological or academic contexts.

mental frameworks

Emphasizes the structured nature of thought, suggesting a more organized system of thinking.

belief systems

Shifts the focus to underlying beliefs that shape thinking, indicating a deeper level of cognitive structure.

mindsets

Refers to established sets of attitudes or beliefs that influence thought and behavior.

ways of thinking

A more general and less technical alternative, suitable for broader audiences.

intellectual tendencies

Focuses on the inclinations and predispositions of the intellect.

cognitive biases

Specifically refers to systematic errors in thinking that can influence decisions and judgments.

recurring thoughts

Highlights the repetitive nature of certain thoughts, differing from the structured idea of patterns.

FAQs

How can I identify my negative "thought patterns"?

Start by paying attention to your reactions in different situations. Journaling, meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques can help you recognize and understand recurring negative "thinking habits".

What are some strategies for changing unhelpful "thought patterns"?

Cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, and self-compassion are effective strategies. Challenging negative beliefs and replacing them with more positive and realistic ones can lead to healthier "mindsets".

What is the difference between "thought patterns" and "cognitive biases"?

"Thought patterns" refers to general, recurring ways of thinking, while "cognitive biases" are specific, systematic errors in thinking that can influence decisions and judgments. Cognitive biases are a specific type of "cognitive patterns".

How does cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) address "thought patterns"?

CBT helps individuals identify and modify negative or unhelpful "thought patterns" that contribute to emotional distress and behavioral problems. It focuses on developing coping mechanisms and healthier "mental frameworks".