unconventional thinkers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unconventional thinkers" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe individuals or groups who approach problems or ideas in non-traditional or innovative ways. Example: "The conference will feature a panel of unconventional thinkers who challenge the status quo and inspire new ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Lauer and Guevara are both unconventional thinkers, willing to find ways around problems.

The New Yorker

Indeed, in some ways, these unconventional thinkers resemble each other more than the less striking birds in-between.

The Economist

Unconventional thinkers the world over have unprecedented access to the distributed knowledge, talents, capital, and consumers they need to create a start-up or a movement around a great idea.

Harvard Business Review

We all must look for new specialists—especially women, younger people, people of color, unconventional thinkers and people who aren't routinely quoted by us and other media outlets, but who constitute a large part of our readership, and of the general population.

The Washington Post

The entrepreneurial ecosystem has become more receptive to unconventional thinkers.

TechCrunch

Beyond the campus, too, Bejan is regarded as an unconventional thinker though he's succeeded at working with other unconventional thinkers, including Sylvie Lorente, professor of civil engineering at the National Institute of Applied Sciences in Toulouse, France.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Maeda is an unconventional thinker who looks at matters differently – and acts accordingly.

The Washington Post

As Mr. Jacobson relates in his book, the tester noted that the child was "truly an unconventional thinker".

The New York Times

Her promotion is not surprising, since Ms. Harwayne is known as an unconventional thinker with a knack for training teachers and making them excited about their work.

The New York Times

"Even in her 30's, she was a smart, unconventional thinker who'd embrace new ideas even while older executives at the table were rejecting them," said Mr. Nadler, the consultant.

The New York Times

While he is no doubt a highly respected Marine and an unconventional thinker, the praise in all these pieces was so thick it obscured his actual record in the job he resigned from (beyond vague assertions that he "labored to save the world from Trump," as Boot put it).

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unconventional thinkers" when you want to emphasize innovative and non-traditional problem-solving approaches. This phrase is particularly effective when discussing entrepreneurship, scientific breakthroughs, or creative endeavors.

Common error

While "unconventional thinkers" is widely accepted, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing where more precise terminology might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "innovative minds" or "nonconformist intellectuals" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unconventional thinkers" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, often to describe people who innovate or challenge established norms. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unconventional thinkers" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes individuals who approach problems with innovative and non-traditional methods. As noted by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, academia, and business. While generally neutral in register, be mindful of the specific context and consider more formal alternatives if needed. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from reputable sources, confirms the phrase's validity and utility in describing those who challenge established norms and drive innovation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

innovative minds

Emphasizes the capacity for creating and introducing new ideas or methods.

creative individuals

Highlights the ability to generate novel and valuable ideas or expressions.

nonconformist intellectuals

Stresses independence of thought and resistance to prevailing norms among intellectuals.

original thinkers

Focuses on the ability to produce new thoughts or ideas.

out-of-the-box thinkers

Highlights thinking beyond conventional constraints or limitations.

visionary minds

Implies the ability to envision future possibilities and directions.

maverick intellectuals

Highlights independence and unorthodox approach among intellectuals.

unorthodox innovators

Focuses on innovation that deviates from established norms or methods.

avant-garde intellectuals

Highlights intellectuals pushing the boundaries of convention and tradition.

free thinkers

Emphasizes the ability to think independently, without societal constraints or dogma.

FAQs

How can I use "unconventional thinkers" in a sentence?

You can use "unconventional thinkers" to describe people who approach problems and ideas in innovative and non-traditional ways. For example, "The conference will feature a panel of "unconventional thinkers" who are challenging the status quo."

What are some alternatives to "unconventional thinkers"?

Alternatives to "unconventional thinkers" include "innovative minds", "creative individuals", or "nonconformist intellectuals", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "unconventional thinkers" in formal writing?

Yes, but be mindful of the specific context. While "unconventional thinkers" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "original thinkers" or "visionary minds" may be more suitable for certain academic or professional settings.

What distinguishes "unconventional thinkers" from simply being "creative"?

"Unconventional thinkers" specifically highlights individuals who deviate from established norms and traditions in their thought processes, whereas "creative" refers more broadly to the ability to generate novel and valuable ideas. While creativity is a component of unconventional thinking, the latter emphasizes the departure from accepted methods.