Here's why and how we can understand it:
* "Thinking" and "hard work" are both gerunds: These are verb forms that act as nouns, but they don't usually combine to form a single noun.
* "Thinking" is a process: It describes the act of thinking, not a concrete thing.
* "Hard work" is effort: It refers to the application of effort, not a tangible object.
To make this phrase function as a noun, we could:
1. Use a different phrase: We could use "effort," "dedication," or "diligence" instead, which are clearer nouns.
2. Combine with an adjective: We could say "thoughtful hard work," which adds a descriptive element and makes it more like a noun phrase.
Example:
Instead of saying, "Thinking hard work is important," we could say:
* "Effort is important."
* "Diligence is important."
* "Thoughtful hard work is important."
Let me know if you have any other phrases you'd like to explore!