Meaning & use
clear thinking
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Meaning
noununcountable
The ability to think in a calm, logical, and organized way, especially in difficult situations.
Grammar: Uncountable; used with a singular verb. Can be modified by adjectives like 'good', 'calm', or 'rational'.
Patterns
- clear thinking about something
- a moment of clear thinking
- need clear thinking
In a crisis, clear thinking is more important than speed.
The report praised her clear thinking and practical approach.
A good leader encourages clear thinking among team members.
Common combinations
- a moment of clear thinking
- After a moment of clear thinking, she realized the solution.
- require clear thinking
- This puzzle requires clear thinking and patience.
- promote clear thinking
- The teacher uses debates to promote clear thinking.
- clear thinking under pressure
- Firefighters need clear thinking under pressure.
Synonyms and how they differ
- lucidity
- More formal and literary; often describes writing or expression as well as thought.
- rationality
- Focuses on logic and reason rather than general mental clarity; can sound technical.
- clarity
- Broader; can refer to expression or understanding, not just thinking.
Opposites
Word family
- clear-thinking adjective
- Having the ability to think clearly; e.g., a clear-thinking leader.
- clear-headed adjective
- Able to think clearly, especially in a difficult situation.
Commonly confused: clear thinking or clear thought?
clear thinking vs clear thought
Refers to a single idea that is clear, not the general ability to think clearly.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'clear thinking' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Clear thinking' is uncountable and takes a singular verb, so 'are' is wrong. It is not used with 'a' in this sense, and as a noun it does not directly modify 'students' (you would say 'clear-thinking students').
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “clear thinking”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.