various thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "various thoughts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a wide range of ideas or opinions, usually in the context of reflecting on a situation. For example, "I spent some time considering the various thoughts that had been raised during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Various thoughts went through his mind: had the money been stolen by fraudsters, or was it simply a technical fault?

The Guardian - Money

The experiences of anger and love also include various thoughts and memories and intentions to act in certain ways.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He had waited, as if expecting Graham to say more, but, while various thoughts turned slowly in Graham's head, none urged expression.

The New Yorker

"We have various thoughts for our future, but we don't have any specific institutions in mind," said the spokesman, who declined to be named, citing company policy.

The New York Times

IT'S often the first, and most awkward, question at a spa: "Do you prefer a male or female massage therapist?" Various thoughts may swirl through a client's head.

The New York Times

These come mostly through a voice-over reciting her various thoughts on performance and her search to find, and then transcend, her own way of moving, as she assimilated both classical Japanese traditions and the radical postmodern experimentation of Judson Dance Theater in New York.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

If this second approach is right, change is clearly far simpler: you need only identify and correct various thought-glitches, rather than decoding the secret reasons for your suffering.

The Guardian

When members of various thought collectives meet, a peculiar phenomenon occurs.

SEP

Also relevant are the various thought experiments raised by non-constitutionalist neo-Lockeans (e.g., Lewis 1976; Parfit 1984) that seem to count against animalism; for instance, thought experiments involving teletransportation and transplantation.

SEP

I had gone through various thought processes at the time the script came to me where I felt I was in sync with Alex [Proyas] and with the story.

Huffington Post

A recent approach to studying brain function uses machine learning techniques to identify the neural pattern of brain activity underlying various thought processes.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing internal monologue or a character's thought process in fiction, use "various thoughts" to indicate a mix of ideas, memories, and considerations.

Common error

Avoid using "various thoughts" excessively in academic or formal writing, as it can sound vague. Replace it with more specific terms like "different perspectives" or "multiple hypotheses" to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "various thoughts" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a collection or range of ideas or considerations. According to Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "various thoughts" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys a range of ideas or considerations. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability in written English. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and register when using the phrase. For formal or academic writing, more precise alternatives might enhance clarity. The phrase finds frequent application across diverse domains, including news, science, and encyclopedic content, serving as a succinct descriptor of multifaceted mental states.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multiple thoughts

Replaces "various" with "multiple", emphasizing the number of thoughts.

assorted thoughts

Substitutes "various" with "assorted", highlighting the diverse nature of the thoughts.

several thoughts

Replaces "various" with "several", indicating more than a few thoughts.

different thoughts

Emphasizes the distinction between the thoughts by using "different".

a range of thoughts

Uses "a range of" to suggest a spectrum of ideas.

a multitude of thoughts

Emphasizes the large number of thoughts.

a variety of ideas

Replaces "thoughts" with the broader term "ideas", while maintaining the sense of diversity.

diverse considerations

Replaces both words to give a more formal tone, suggesting careful thought.

numerous reflections

Uses "numerous" and "reflections" for a more contemplative tone.

many ideas

Simple substitution for a more concise expression.

FAQs

How can I use "various thoughts" in a sentence?

You can use "various thoughts" to describe a range of ideas or opinions, often in the context of reflection or consideration. For example, "Various thoughts went through his mind as he faced the difficult decision".

What are some alternatives to "various thoughts"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "multiple thoughts", "assorted thoughts", or "different thoughts".

Is it better to say "various ideas" or "various thoughts"?

The choice between "various ideas" and "various thoughts" depends on the specific context. "Various ideas" might be more appropriate when referring to concepts or plans, while "various thoughts" is better suited for internal mental processes.

When is it appropriate to use "various thoughts" in writing?

"Various thoughts" is appropriate when you want to convey that there is a mixture of different ideas or considerations. It is especially fitting when describing someone's internal mental state or reflecting on a complex issue.