what a thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"what a thought!" is correct and usable in written English.
It's an expression used to express surprise or amazement at a thought or idea. For example: "I can't believe I didn't get the job! What a thought!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

What a thought.

The New Yorker

God, what a thought.

The Guardian

"If you want to know what a thought is," he says, "I can express it for you in a string of words.

MIT Technology Review

Bring him on as a late sub for a tiring Rafael van der Vaart and let him loose – what a thought.

The Guardian - Sport

What a thought, indeed – and Clegg only got away with saying it by making a little joke about the odd heated meeting.

The Guardian - Opinion

"What a thought, the prospect of Donald Trump being the next president of the US, it fills me with some trepidation," said Smith.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Then I thought, 'Wow, what a horrible thought.

Vice

"I was thinking, like, what a weird thought – me".

The Guardian

What a terrifying thought.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

What a disgusting thought".

The New Yorker

What a strange thought.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with a follow-up statement to clarify your specific reaction to the thought. For example: "What a thought! I never considered it that way before."

Common error

While "what a thought" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it in formal writing or presentations. Opt for more professional alternatives like "an interesting proposition" or "a noteworthy concept" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what a thought" serves as an interjection or exclamation. It expresses a spontaneous reaction to a particular idea, ranging from agreement and admiration to disbelief or skepticism. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is correct and usable in written English to convey surprise or amazement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what a thought" is an exclamatory phrase used to express a reaction to an idea, ranging from surprise to skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's most commonly found in News & Media contexts, with a neutral register, making it versatile for various situations. When a more formal tone is needed, consider alternatives such as "interesting idea" or "remarkable notion". Overall, mastering the use of "what a thought" and its alternatives enhances expressive communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interesting idea

Focuses more on the novelty or intrigue of the idea itself.

remarkable notion

Emphasizes the unusual or noteworthy quality of the concept.

fascinating concept

Highlights the captivating or absorbing nature of the thought.

now that's something

A more informal way of expressing surprise or interest.

an intriguing proposition

Suggests a more formal or considered evaluation of the idea.

a stimulating idea

Implies the thought is intellectually exciting or engaging.

food for thought

Indicates the idea is worth considering further.

that's quite an idea

Expresses a degree of surprise or admiration.

an innovative concept

Highlights the novelty and originality of the idea.

a mind-blowing concept

Suggests the idea is overwhelming or revolutionary.

FAQs

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

You can use "what a thought" to express a reaction to an idea or suggestion. For example, "They want to move the office to another state. What a thought! I'll have to consider the implications".

What does "what a thought" imply?

"What a thought" typically implies surprise, intrigue, or sometimes even disbelief at an idea. The specific emotion is conveyed through tone and context.

Which is correct, "what a thought" or "what is a thought"?

"What a thought" is an exclamation, expressing a reaction. "What is a thought" is a question asking for a definition or explanation of a thought.

What are some alternative ways to express surprise or intrigue, similar to "what a thought"?

You can use alternatives such as "interesting idea", "remarkable notion", or "fascinating concept" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.