Definition

Noun: A train of thought is the connected sequence of ideas, memories, or reasoning that forms a person's continuous line of thinking. It refers to the logical progression of thoughts in one's mind.

Usage

This noun phrase is used to describe the flow or continuity of someone's thinking process. It is often used when this flow is interrupted or when it is difficult for others to understand.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to lose one's train of thought": To forget what one was thinking or saying due to an interruption or distraction.
  • Sorry, I just lost my train of thought. What was I saying?
• "to follow someone's train of thought": To understand the logical sequence of another person's ideas.
  • His argument was so complex that few could follow his train of thought.

Variants and Related Words

• Line of thought: A very similar phrase meaning a particular way or sequence of thinking about a subject.
  • This article presents a compelling new line of thought on the issue.
• Train: In this context, "train" itself can mean a connected series or sequence (e.g., a , a ).

Synonyms

• Thread: (as in "the thread of an argument") The central connecting theme or line of reasoning.
• Chain of thought: A sequence of connected ideas.
• Continuity: The unbroken and consistent existence or operation of something, like a line of thinking.

Related Idioms

• "To pick up the thread(s)": To resume a conversation or line of thought after an interruption.
  • After the phone call, she found it hard to pick up the threads of her work.

Noun

1. the connections that link the various parts of an event or argument together
   • I couldn't follow his train of thought
   • he lost the thread of his argument