willful thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "willful thoughts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an individual's determination or stubbornness when it comes to their thoughts or ideas. For example: "The girl was full of willful thoughts, and was determined to make her dream come true no matter what."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This includes even willful thoughts, often translated from the ancient texts as "volition".

Huffington Post

The willful thoughts that arrive milliseconds after the bodily contraction are my brain making sense of what's already taking place.

Huffington Post

I have found in my own practice that not only are my willful thoughts not actually "mine", but they are often preceded by bodily contractions.

Huffington Post

The Buddha observed that willful thoughts -- those connected with the desire to perform an action or think more thoughts -- are like all other thoughts; they arise and pass away without any conscious determination on the meditator's part.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

At school, he memorized the Baltimore catechism (which included such instruction as "What is actual sin? Actual sin is any willful thought, desire, word, action, or omission contrary to the law of God").

The New Yorker

"Knight of Cups" is Rick's act of remembering, and it follows the strange double logic of memory — the triggering efforts of willful thought and the free-flowing associations of the unconscious mind.

The New Yorker

From England, Mr. Poppy and Ms. Bardsley will present "Avalanche Thoughts," a multimedia performance installation piece described as "a succession of moments that teeter on the edge of disaster, saturated with willful and erotic thoughts that ease and tempt us into the abyss".

The New York Times

The trial, which took place in a closed courtroom in Shiraz in the last two months, has deeply shaken many of the 30,000 Jews in Iran, with some moved to willful silence and others to thoughts of emigration.

The New York Times

Is Wills's blindness willful?

The New York Times

Mr. Dudamel is a thoughtful if willful Mahler conductor.

The New York Times - Arts

Or, people will have a willful ignorance to it.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "willful thoughts", consider the connotation you wish to convey. It can imply determination, stubbornness, or a strong sense of self-direction. Choose other words to enhance the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid exclusively using "willful thoughts" in contexts that only portray stubbornness or negativity. Balance the portrayal by highlighting the positive aspects of determination and self-reliance when applicable.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "willful thoughts" is to act as a noun phrase, where "willful" modifies the noun "thoughts". According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English. It describes the kind of thoughts and indicates determination or stubbornness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "willful thoughts" is a grammatically sound phrase, though relatively rare in usage, primarily found in news and media contexts according to Ludwig. It describes thoughts characterized by determination, intention, or sometimes stubbornness. While the phrase is generally acceptable, consider the connotations you wish to convey, as "willful" can carry both positive and negative implications. Alternative phrases like ""intentional thoughts"" or ""determined thoughts"" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. Ludwig AI validates its usability, reinforcing its correctness for written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intentional thoughts

Focuses on the deliberate nature of the thoughts, emphasizing purposefulness over potential stubbornness.

deliberate thoughts

Highlights the careful and considered nature of the thoughts, suggesting a thoughtful process.

stubborn thoughts

Emphasizes the inflexible and resistant aspect of the thoughts, potentially carrying a negative connotation.

determined thoughts

Stresses the resolve and firmness behind the thoughts, focusing on their unwavering nature.

self-willed thoughts

Highlights the independent and autonomous nature of the thoughts, suggesting they originate from one's own will.

resolute thoughts

Emphasizes the firm decision or determination behind the thoughts, highlighting their steadfastness.

persistent thoughts

Focuses on the recurring and enduring quality of the thoughts, suggesting they are difficult to dismiss.

strong-willed thoughts

Implies a powerful and independent mindset driving the thoughts.

headstrong thoughts

Suggests a tendency to act willfully and stubbornly, often disregarding advice.

dogged thoughts

Highlights the tenacious and persistent nature of the thoughts, suggesting unwavering commitment.

FAQs

What does "willful thoughts" mean?

"Willful thoughts" refer to thoughts that are driven by determination, intention, or sometimes stubbornness. They imply a conscious choice or strong-willed nature behind the thinking process.

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

You can use "willful thoughts" to describe someone's determined approach to problem-solving or their stubborn adherence to a particular idea. For example: "Despite the evidence, she persisted with her "willful thoughts"."

What are some synonyms for "willful thoughts"?

Some synonyms for "willful thoughts" include "intentional thoughts", "deliberate thoughts", or "determined thoughts", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "willful thoughts" always negative?

Not necessarily. While "willful" can sometimes imply stubbornness or obstinacy, it can also suggest a strong sense of purpose and determination. The connotation depends on the context in which "willful thoughts" is used.