Train of thought: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Train of thought” mean?

"Train of thought" means the sequence of ideas or thoughts in someone's mind.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I lost my train of thought during the presentation.

Example

His train of thought was interrupted by a phone call.

Example

She struggled to follow his complex train of thought

Is “Train of thought” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Train of thought” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Train of thought” effectively in context?

You can use "Train of Thought" to refer to the sequence of ideas or thoughts in someone's mind. It is often used when someone gets distracted or loses focus. For example, if you're giving a presentation and suddenly forget what you were going to say, you might say, 'Sorry, I lost my train of thought.'

• 1. Presentation

  I lost my train of thought during the presentation.

• 2. Interruption

  His train of thought was interrupted by a phone call.

• 3. Difficulty Understanding

  She struggled to follow his complex train of thought.

Similar phrases to “Train of thought”:

Mind Wandered

To have one's thoughts drift away from the current topic or task

Example

Her mind wandered during the meeting, and she missed important details.

Lost in thought

To be deeply engrossed in one's own thoughts and unaware of one's surroundings

Example

He was lost in thought and didn't notice when his friend entered the room.

Train derailed

To lose track of one's thoughts or ideas

Example

Her train derailed when she was asked a difficult question.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Train of thought” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Train of Thought" is unknown.

Is “Train of thought” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Train of Thought" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to explain moments of distraction or difficulty in following a conversation or train of thought.

What tone does “Train of thought” have?

"Train of Thought" conveys a neutral tone. It is a descriptive phrase used to explain a mental process rather than conveying any specific emotion.

Can “Train of thought” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Train of Thought" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes a cognitive process. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or academic discussions.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I lost my train of thought and couldn't remember what I was going to say.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Oops, lost my "train of thought"!' to acknowledge a momentary lapse in thinking.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• train of ideas
• stream of consciousness
• train of cognition
• chain of thought
• flow of thoughts

Antonyms

• clear mind
• focused thinking
• sharp concentration
• linear thinking
• coherent thought process