I think the way that this actually works is that we don't actually think in words and whole sentences, but that words and whole sentences flow from most of our thoughts. We've just become so used to this whole process that it feels like the words and sentences are driving the thoughts.
I'm certainly a "think in whole words and sentences" person, but if I think of it, I also have had moments realization/emotion that I certainly couldn't put into words.
I'm Flemish and my mother tongue is Dutch. Therefore I mostly think in Dutch, but sometimes I think in English. Then it regularly happens I can't think of the right word to describe something (actually that happens in Dutch too, but less frequently), while still knowing very well what I mean.
I think that can only mean that my 'real' thinking happens without words or language, and is then 'translated' into Dutch or English.
I think this is true, and was reaching for ways to express the same thought. Which just goes to show that although I internally verbalise a lot, the verbalisation itself is not the thinking. It just seems that way.
I think this can become a problem. Verbalising takes time, it acts as a brake on thought. I’m compensation I think it helps clarify and crystallise ideas and builds skills in expressing them into communicable form. There are definitely pros and cons.
I'm certainly a "think in whole words and sentences" person, but if I think of it, I also have had moments realization/emotion that I certainly couldn't put into words.