10 subtle phrases high-level thinkers tend to use, says psychology

Ethan Sterling by Ethan Sterling | November 16, 2024, 9:26 am

Ever notice how certain people seem to communicate on a whole different level?

And I don’t mean fancy jargon or ten-dollar words; it’s the way they phrase things, the subtle cues that give away a mind working in high gear.

High-level thinkers don’t just “say” things; they frame ideas that invite curiosity, open up dialogue, and spark possibility.

I’ve found it interesting how just a simple phrase can reveal so much about someone’s thought process.

So here’s a look at ten phrases that subtly show high-level thinking at work—phrases that, once you start listening for, might just change the way you approach conversations too.

1) “What if…”

One of the hallmarks of high-level thinking is the ability to entertain possibilities and consider potential outcomes.

This is often revealed in the use of the phrase “What if…”.

Psychology tells us that this phrase indicates a mind at work, actively engaging in hypothetical thinking.

This type of thinking allows us to imagine different scenarios, anticipate problems and devise solutions.

High-level thinkers don’t just accept things as they are. They probe, question, and explore alternatives.

When they say “What if…”, they’re not just daydreaming – they’re strategizing.

It’s an invitation to enter into their thought process, to see how they approach a problem or situation.

It shows they are not confined by the present or the actual, but can venture into the realm of the potential and the possible.

So next time you hear someone say “What if…”, pay attention – you might be in the presence of a high-level thinker.

2) “I understand…”

Another phrase that high-level thinkers often use is “I understand…”.

This simple yet powerful phrase shows a willingness to empathize and acknowledge others’ perspectives, a critical aspect of effective communication and problem-solving.

I remember a time when I was working on a team project. We were hitting roadblocks, and tension was high.

Our team leader, someone I admired for his strategic thinking, diffused the situation by saying, “I understand everyone’s frustration. Let’s break down the problem and find a way forward.”

By saying “I understand…”, he acknowledged our feelings, which immediately made us feel heard.

It broke down the tension and opened up room for constructive discussion.

His use of this phrase didn’t only show empathy; it was also a strategic move to steer us back to problem-solving mode.

It’s a subtle yet effective phrase that I’ve since incorporated into my own communication style.

3) “Let’s consider…”

“Let’s consider…” is another common phrase among high-level thinkers.

It’s a subtle way of encouraging deeper thinking and inviting others to join in the process.

This phrase can be seen as an embodiment of the Socratic method, an approach to discussion and discovery famously used by the ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates.

He believed in the power of asking questions and examining all sides of an issue to uncover truth and foster understanding.

When a high-level thinker says, “Let’s consider…”, they’re essentially opening up a space for exploration and analysis.

They’re inviting others to engage in a shared journey of understanding, encouraging everyone involved to think more deeply and critically.

4) “From my perspective…”

High-level thinkers often use the phrase “From my perspective…”.

This is more than just a polite way to share an opinion. It reveals a recognition that our understanding of things is shaped by our individual experiences and viewpoints.

When someone says “From my perspective…”, they’re acknowledging that their viewpoint is just one of many.

It’s an invitation for others to share their perspectives, too, fostering an environment of mutual respect and open dialogue.

It’s also a sign of intellectual humility – the understanding that no one has a monopoly on truth or knowledge.

High-level thinkers know that diverse perspectives can lead to richer insights and better solutions.

So listen closely next time you hear “From my perspective…”. It might signal that you’re dealing with someone who thinks at a higher level.

5) “Have you considered…”

“Have you considered…” is a phrase that high-level thinkers often use to gently challenge assumptions or introduce new ideas.

It’s a respectful way of offering a different perspective or suggesting a new approach.

This phrase shows that the speaker is not only good at analyzing situations and generating alternatives, but also skilled at presenting these ideas in a non-confrontational way.

It’s indicative of a growth mindset – the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.

By asking “Have you considered…”, high-level thinkers encourage others to stretch their thinking and explore possibilities they might not have thought of before.

This phrase is a tool for fostering open-mindedness and innovation, key qualities of high-level thinking.

6) “I appreciate…”

A phrase you’ll often hear from high-level thinkers is “I appreciate…”.

This is more than just good manners. It’s a way of valuing others’ contributions and fostering a positive environment.

When someone says “I appreciate…” followed by specific feedback or recognition, it sends a clear message that they value the efforts and ideas of those around them.

It encourages open communication and collaborative problem-solving.

Moreover, this phrase fosters emotional intelligence – the ability to manage one’s own emotions and handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.

High-level thinkers understand the importance of emotional intelligence in team dynamics and leadership.

Saying “I appreciate…” can create a climate of respect and mutual support. It’s a small phrase that can have a big impact.

7) “I could be wrong, but…”

“I could be wrong, but…” is a phrase that you’ll often hear high-level thinkers use.

It’s an indication of intellectual humility and openness to feedback.

I remember when I first started my career, I had a boss who would often use this phrase.

Initially, I found it surprising, given his position and expertise. But over time, I realized that it was a reflection of his willingness to learn and stay open to different views.

This phrase taught me an important lesson about leadership and high-level thinking.

Always being right is one thing, but being open to the possibility of being wrong and learning from it is a lot more significant when it comes to real intelligence and high-level thinking.

Using “I could be wrong, but…” before stating an opinion or idea invites others to contribute their viewpoints and fosters an environment of learning and growth.

8) “I don’t know…”

High-level thinkers aren’t afraid to say “I don’t know…”.

This phrase might seem like an admission of ignorance, but in reality, it’s a sign of intellectual courage and honesty.

In a world that values expertise and certainty, admitting that you don’t have all the answers can feel risky.

But high-level thinkers understand that it’s impossible to know everything. They know that admitting ignorance is the first step towards learning and growth.

“I don’t know…” signals a readiness to learn, a curiosity to discover, and a humility that fosters trust.

It’s a phrase that paves the way for exploration and innovation. So next time you hear someone say “I don’t know…”, don’t dismiss them. They might just be thinking on a higher level.

9) “Let’s explore this further…”

“Let’s explore this further…” is a phrase that high-level thinkers often use when they want to dive deeper into an idea or problem.

It shows a willingness to invest time and effort into understanding something thoroughly, rather than rushing to conclusions.

When someone says “Let’s explore this further…”, they’re signalling a desire for comprehensive understanding.

They’re not satisfied with surface-level analysis or quick fixes.

They want to dig deeper, ask more questions, and uncover the complexities of the issue at hand.

This phrase underscores a key aspect of high-level thinking: the appreciation for depth over speed.

It’s about valuing the process of discovery and understanding, even if it takes more time.

It’s a reminder that when it comes to thinking and problem-solving, sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination.

10) “Could we try…”

The phrase “Could we try…” is often used by high-level thinkers.

This simple question can spark innovation, unlock solutions, and inspire action. It’s a sign of proactivity and a willingness to experiment.

When someone says “Could we try…”, they’re not just suggesting a new approach. They’re expressing a readiness to take risks and learn from the outcomes.

It’s a demonstration of resilience and adaptability, two qualities that are essential for high-level thinking.

“Could we try…” embodies the spirit of exploration and curiosity that fuels high-level thinking.

It’s the phrase that pushes boundaries, challenges the status quo, and drives progress.

Final thoughts

Words are windows, and the way we phrase things reveals so much more than we realize.

High-level thinkers use language that isn’t just functional—it’s intentional, fostering exploration, understanding, and growth.

These subtle phrases aren’t only about sounding smart; they’re clues to a mindset that values curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn.

Next time you’re in a conversation, tune into the phrasing—who knows, you might catch a glimpse of high-level thinking, or even feel inspired to adopt some of these phrases yourself.

Good thinking is contagious, and it often starts with just a few words.