thoughtful

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "thoughtful" is a valid and commonly used word in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or a thing that has shown careful consideration or concern, such as in the sentence: "She was a thoughtful friend, always there to lend a sympathetic ear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Finally, a thoughtful and thought-provoking book about how we read and project our own concerns, especially political ones, on to texts.

The Guardian - Books

Andrew Copson, chief executive of the British Humanist Association, said the Scouts had recognised the contribution that "thoughtful and ethical non-religious young people and adults" could make to both the movement and society.

The Guardian

Again, so thoughtful, so generous, he was asking me to be there as his guest.

The Guardian

Blaming mothers for their child's situation is a simple, and to some people attractive, way of looking at all sorts of problems – but it's not fair, it's not thoughtful, and it's not kind.

The Guardian - Opinion

I believe we're going to have to be thoughtful about security and how we update those products to make sure we're covered against the most recent threats," says Kovacs.

The Guardian - Tech

There are many thoughtful, dedicated people at Google who must choose between doing what is right and blowing the whistle on what is wrong.

The Guardian - Tech

A lot of journalists and experts were thoughtful too.

The Guardian - Sport

Mitchell's thoughtful and informed approach has reassured spin doctors that their charges won't suddenly be ambushed by a man wearing garish hip-hop garb.

The Guardian

And that's how he strikes me now – as a thoughtful politician who seems to be avoiding a lot of the Punch and Judy of politics.

The Guardian

In his York Road office he talks with thoughtful despair about the party he left.

The Guardian

It is warm and palpably feelgood, yet thoughtful and provoking.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thoughtful" to describe actions or gestures that show consideration for others' feelings or needs. For example, "a thoughtful gift" or "a thoughtful response."

Common error

Avoid using "thoughtful" when you mean the opposite: lacking consideration or care. "Thoughtless" describes someone who doesn't think about the consequences of their actions or the feelings of others.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "thoughtful" primarily functions to describe a quality of a person, action, or thing, indicating careful consideration, kindness, or attentiveness. This is evident in examples from Ludwig like "a thoughtful gift" and "a thoughtful response."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Film

8%

Books

7%

Less common in

Opinion

5%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thoughtful" is a versatile adjective used to describe consideration and attentiveness, with a generally positive connotation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and commonly used word, appearing frequently in news, media, film, and books. When using "thoughtful", remember to focus on the element of care and consideration. For similar expressions, consider alternatives like "considerate", "attentive", or "caring" to add nuance to your writing. Avoid confusing it with "thoughtless", which conveys the opposite meaning. Overall, "thoughtful" is a valuable addition to your vocabulary for expressing appreciation and highlighting positive qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerate

Emphasizes being mindful of the needs and feelings of others.

attentive

Highlights the act of paying close attention to someone or something.

caring

Focuses on showing kindness and concern for others.

kind

Stresses the quality of being benevolent and helpful.

compassionate

Implies a deep understanding and empathy for someone's suffering.

understanding

Highlights the ability to comprehend and appreciate another person's perspective.

reflective

Emphasizes deep thinking and contemplation.

deliberate

Focuses on careful and intentional action.

prudent

Highlights wisdom and good judgment in practical matters.

discerning

Implies the ability to make fine distinctions and judgments.

FAQs

How can I use "thoughtful" in a sentence?

You can use "thoughtful" to describe someone who is considerate of others, as in, "She is a very thoughtful friend". It can also describe actions or things, such as "a thoughtful gift" or "a thoughtful analysis".

What are some synonyms for "thoughtful"?

Synonyms for "thoughtful" include "considerate", "attentive", and "caring". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "thoughtful" or "thinking"?

While both relate to thought, "thoughtful" implies consideration and care, whereas "thinking" simply indicates the process of having thoughts. For example, a "thinking person" is someone who engages in thought, while a "thoughtful person" is considerate of others.

What's the difference between "thoughtful" and "well thought out"?

"Thoughtful" generally describes a person or action showing consideration, while "well thought out" describes something carefully planned or designed. You might say, "She gave a thoughtful response" or "The plan was well thought out".