unconventional thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unconventional thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe ideas or perspectives that deviate from the norm or traditional ways of thinking. Example: "Her unconventional thought on the subject sparked a lively debate among the panelists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Such are a few aspects of this wild kaleidoscope of unconventional thought, a landmark in Chinese literature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Closer Genocider sounds like Suicide in a Silver Machine and pivots on a simulated two-chord loop or locked groove that goes on seemingly forever, or at least until that stained glass window-lined grotto of unconventional thought starts appearing in your mind's eye.

The Guardian - Music

The hunt for new ways of creating moderately priced housing in places with immoderate land prices has led housing experts in New York City to an unconventional thought: Why not tear down obsolete branch libraries and replace them with libraries that not only are bigger and better, but also have apartments built on top?

The New York Times

You can tell that Julian Cope might be a fan, that reviewers are going to be drawing comparisons with Ash Ra Tempel, and that they would make people come away from their concerts saying things like: "My head is throbbing like a stained glass window-lined grotto of unconventional thought and atavistic proto-religious impulses".

The Guardian - Music

Psychedelics are not suppressed because they are dangerous to users; they're suppressed because they provoke unconventional thought, which threatens any number of elites and institutions that would rather do our thinking for us.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

A hedge fund that grows large inevitably becomes institutional and conservative, and loses the culture of unconventional, independent thought that gives it its most important characteristic, true "edge".

The Economist

Creative solutions require unconventional thinking.

Science Magazine

Her unconventional thinking.

Huffington Post

Also in Smíchov, the three-floor Futura Centre for Contemporary Art hosts free group and solo exhibitions by Czech artists, as well as respected international artists; and one of the best and biggest art centres, Dox in Holešovice, has a constant flow of unconventional and thought-provoking events and exhibitions.

The Guardian - Travel

In the context of a record sleeve, he brings something unconventional, bold, playful, thought-provoking, raw and engaging while maintaining an unlaboured feel.

The Guardian - Arts

The film's performance calls to mind that of Paul Thomas Anderson's last film, The Master – another thought-provoking and unconventional drama that opened amid deafening awards buzz.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unconventional thought" to describe approaches that challenge the status quo and lead to progress in fields like art, science, and business.

Common error

Avoid implying that "unconventional thought" is equivalent to a lack of rigor or critical analysis. Instead, highlight how it can be a deliberate and insightful departure from traditional thinking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unconventional thought" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a way of thinking that deviates from the norm or established patterns. Ludwig examples show it used to describe approaches that challenge the status quo in various fields.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unconventional thought" is a grammatically correct and usable term for describing ideas that deviate from the norm. It is most frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and science and research contexts. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and suggests that while generally positive, the connotation of the term can depend on the situation. When using the phrase, remember to emphasize its potential for innovation and avoid implying that it equates to a lack of critical analysis. Related phrases such as "original thinking" and "innovative mindset" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

original thinking

Focuses more on the act of generating new ideas rather than the characteristic of the thought itself.

innovative mindset

Highlights the proactive and forward-thinking nature of adopting new ideas.

creative approach

Emphasizes the methodology and process of thinking differently.

non-traditional perspective

Stresses a viewpoint that differs from established norms and conventions.

unorthodox ideas

Focuses on the set of beliefs or concepts that deviate from what is commonly accepted.

novel concepts

Highlights the newness and originality of the ideas.

alternative viewpoints

Suggests a choice between different ways of thinking, deviating from a standard one.

out-of-the-box thinking

Emphasizes thinking beyond the constraints of conventional approaches.

divergent thought patterns

Focuses on the deviation from standard or convergent thinking.

radical notions

Emphasizes the extreme deviation from traditional thought.

FAQs

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

You can use "unconventional thought" to describe ideas or perspectives that deviate from the norm. For example: "Her unconventional thought on the subject sparked a lively debate."

What are some alternatives to "unconventional thought"?

You can use alternatives like "original thinking", "innovative mindset", or "creative approach" depending on the specific context.

Is "unconventional thought" positive or negative?

The connotation of "unconventional thought" depends on the context. Generally, it suggests originality and innovation, but it can also imply a disregard for established norms, which may be viewed negatively depending on the situation.

What is the difference between "unconventional thought" and "traditional thought"?

"Unconventional thought" refers to ideas and perspectives that deviate from the norm, while "traditional thought" refers to ideas and perspectives that adhere to established norms and conventions.