train of thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "train of thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to a sequence of ideas or thoughts that are logically connected. For example: "I followed his train of thought, understanding where he was going with his argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Your train of thought changes.

The New York Times

OK, I lost my train of thought.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

_" — and I lost my train of thought.

The New Yorker

"I've lost my train of thought.

The Guardian

A train of thought immediately presents itself.

The New York Times

I lost my train of thought.

The New York Times

I love this train of thought… thank you for this.

University of California, Berkeley

So, he left that train of thought for us.

Yale University

"But I like the train of thought, I really do".

The New York Times - Sports

Indeed, Mr Schröder's real train of thought is very different.

The Economist

The friend interrupted his train of thought, anticipating a question.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "train of thought" to describe a series of connected ideas, especially when explaining how you reached a conclusion. It is useful to describe reasoning, problem solving or when narrating events or situations. It helps to show a logical path of thinking.

Common error

When changing subjects, clearly indicate that you are moving away from the previous "train of thought". Use transitional phrases to signal a new direction in your reasoning or discussion, like "On a different note", "Switching gears", or "To shift the focus".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "train of thought" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the progression and connection of ideas in someone's mind. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in contexts where the speaker or writer is describing their thinking process or trying to understand someone else's.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "train of thought" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes the connected sequence of ideas in someone's mind. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia and Science. When using the phrase, it's important to maintain clarity and signal any shifts in the topic. Alternatives like "line of reasoning" or "flow of ideas" can be used depending on the specific context. The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal communication, making it a versatile choice for expressing how thoughts connect and progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thread of thought

Implies a single, connected idea running through a larger context.

flow of ideas

Highlights the continuous and connected nature of thoughts.

chain of ideas

Focuses on the sequential linkage between thoughts.

line of reasoning

Emphasizes the logical progression of an argument or thought process.

sequence of ideas

Focuses on the specific order in which thoughts occur.

course of thinking

Stresses the direction and path that thoughts take.

thought pattern

Refers to a recurring or habitual way of thinking.

stream of consciousness

Indicates an unfiltered and continuous flow of thoughts and sensations.

mental process

Describes the general activity of thinking.

cognitive process

Highlights the mental actions involved in thinking, learning, and remembering.

FAQs

How can I use "train of thought" in a sentence?

You can use "train of thought" to describe a series of connected thoughts or ideas. For instance, "I lost my "train of thought" after the interruption" or "It's important to follow a clear "line of reasoning" in your argument".

What are some alternatives to "train of thought"?

Some alternatives include "line of reasoning", "flow of ideas", or "thread of thought". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "I lost my train of thought" or "I lost my thread of thought"?

Both "I lost my train of thought" and "I lost my thread of thought" are correct and have similar meanings. "Train of thought" is slightly more common, but "thread of thought" can be equally effective depending on the context and desired emphasis.

What does it mean to "follow someone's train of thought"?

To "follow someone's train of thought" means to understand and trace the sequence of ideas or reasoning that someone is using to reach a conclusion. It implies understanding each step in their "line of reasoning".