vague thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vague thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an idea or notion that is unclear or not well-defined. Example: "During the brainstorming session, I had a vague thought about a new marketing strategy, but I couldn't articulate it clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The chances of that vague thought bearing fruit were slim.

The New York Times - Arts

My searches usually begin with a vague thought, like: "Waterfalls.

The New York Times - Tech

A vague thought now, but one that won't be wafted away by a no vote.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bryars had the vague thought that a 13-bar stanza of this might make a cute loop.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is a "vague thought" that the Royal Free series might lead to other similar programmes, which would make him "delighted".

The Guardian - Business

Strolling through the ruins of Palmyra that day, I remember harboring a vague thought that as awful as Assad's dictatorship was — Tadmur, one of the regime's most notorious prisons, sat nearby — at least it left places like Palmyra alone.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

She hates her Hollywood life and, after her boyfriend goes back to his wife, goes to Chicago, thinking vague thoughts of marriage, domesticity, etc.

The New Yorker

Entertaining vague thoughts of becoming a writer, upon graduation McCabe headed off for Dublin, where he enrolled at St Patrick's Teacher Training College in the suburb of Drumcondra.

The Guardian - Books

He talked about climbing Mount Rainier with his son, an arduous experience that he translated on the campaign trail into vague thoughts about scanning the horizon.

The New York Times

Then I dug in, thinking vague thoughts about bayonets and the fake 'putrefaction' smell they pump out while you're wandering around the Trench Experience at the Imperial War Museum.

The Guardian - Books

Just pour it over ice, maybe squeeze some fresh orange over it all, give the drink a stir with a takeout chopstick and stare out the window as you sip, thinking vague thoughts about whether or not you should change your air-conditioner filter.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To highlight the uncertain and undeveloped aspect of an idea, consider using "vague thought" when describing early stages of brainstorming or initial reactions to a concept.

Common error

Avoid using "vague thought" excessively without offering further explanation. Instead, elaborate on the specific aspects that make the thought unclear or ill-defined. This provides the reader with a clearer understanding and enhances the overall impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague thought" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of mind characterized by a lack of clarity or precision, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vague thought" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe an idea lacking clarity or precision. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and common usage. While not overly frequent, it is acceptable and versatile, appearing most often in News & Media. To enhance your writing, ensure context clarifies the degree of uncertainty implied. Alternative phrases like "unclear notion" or "hazy idea" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific lack of clarity you want to highlight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear notion

Emphasizes the lack of clarity or distinctness of the idea.

hazy idea

Highlights the lack of sharpness or precision in the thought.

ill-defined concept

Focuses on the absence of clear boundaries or specifications.

nebulous notion

Similar to "hazy idea" but implies even less clarity.

fuzzy concept

Highlights the blurred or indistinct nature of the idea.

imprecise idea

Stresses the lack of exactness or accuracy.

fleeting thought

Implies the thought is brief and quickly disappears from memory.

half-formed idea

Indicates the idea is incomplete or not fully developed.

sketchy notion

Suggests the idea lacks detail or substance.

tenuous thought

Emphasizes the weakness or fragility of the idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "vague thought" to describe an idea or notion that is not clearly defined or understood. For example: "I had a "vague thought" about starting a new project, but I haven't worked out the details yet."

What are some alternatives to "vague thought"?

Some alternatives to "vague thought" include "unclear notion", "hazy idea", or "ill-defined concept". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a vague thought"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "a vague thought". "Vague" is an adjective modifying the noun "thought", forming a standard noun phrase.

What's the difference between "vague thought" and "fleeting thought"?

While both describe thoughts that are not fully formed, "vague thought" emphasizes a lack of clarity, while "fleeting thought" suggests a thought that appears briefly and then disappears quickly.