a clearly defined idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clearly defined idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing concepts, plans, or thoughts that are specific and well-articulated. Example: "In order to move forward with the project, we need a clearly defined idea of our goals and objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In the generations since caricature became a clearly defined idea, there have been occasional examples in painting and sculpture alongside the more usual drawing for reproduction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

MICK HILLEARY, an industrial designer who builds zoo exhibits and trade show displays, and who expanded into residential pools five years ago, has found that Americans have a clearly defined idea of what constitutes a proper swimming pool.

The New York Times

For students with a clearly defined idea of what they want to study, perhaps the best resource will be a professor at an undergraduate institution who currently serves as an adviser or mentor.

Science Magazine

Patients do not need to have a clearly defined idea or plan for change in order to receive BPR because an important component of BPR is helping patients explore their options.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

If only we could have employed a time machine and fast-forwarded the mood then to now, we may have seen how literally insane it is to continue to call what is going on in the Middle East a policy or a strategy or any clearly defined idea that unfolds into a serviceable conclusion.

Huffington Post

Twenty-three yeafterfthe teamteam's founding, after a league-best five MLS Cups, 18 playoff appearances and a record 328 regular-season victories, the president of the most successful club in U.S. soccer says the franchise has no clearly defined idea of what it is, what it stands for or where it is going.

Los Angeles Times

Ever since her days as an impoverished Baltimore debutante who took a bus to visit Ellen, the seamstress, young Wallis Warfield had clearly defined ideas about clothes and celebrities whose outfits she wished to copy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's that you have a clearly defined brand idea, a relationship between the brand and consumer of inspiring builders of tomorrow.

Huffington Post

When I came up with the idea for 5-hour Energy, it came as a simple solution to a clearly defined problem: People were working long hours and they were overtired.

HuffPost

The new program builds on Google's BeyondCorp vision, an idea they began developing in 2011 to address the fact that computing no longer took place inside a clearly defined perimeter.

TechCrunch

Based on the already known data and ideas, conditions of progene formation can only be described as an approximate scenario rather than a clearly defined hypothesis.

Biology Direct

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When brainstorming, start by establishing "a clearly defined idea" of the project's scope to keep contributions focused.

Common error

Avoid vagueness by ensuring you don't proceed with a project or discussion until you have "a clearly defined idea" of the core objectives. This prevents misunderstandings and wasted effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clearly defined idea" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, emphasizing the quality of the idea being distinct and well-articulated. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a clearly defined idea" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, though it appears with relative infrequency in written English. Ludwig indicates that it is a correct phrase. Its primary function is to emphasize that a concept, plan, or thought is specific, well-articulated, and unambiguous. While appearing in varied contexts such as news, science, encyclopedias and academia, it maintains a neutral register suitable for formal and informal communication. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms like "well-defined concept" or "precise notion", while ensuring early clarity to avoid vagueness and misunderstandings. Having a clearly defined goal is essential for project management, strategic planning, and academic research.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-defined concept

Emphasizes the clarity and precision of the concept's boundaries and components.

precise notion

Focuses on the exactness and accuracy of the idea being conveyed.

explicit concept

Highlights the unambiguous and openly stated nature of the concept.

articulated thought

Stresses the clear and coherent expression of the idea.

formulated idea

Indicates that the idea has been carefully structured and presented.

concrete plan

Shifts the focus to a specific, actionable strategy.

definite intention

Highlights the resolute purpose behind the idea or action.

established principle

Emphasizes the idea's acceptance and recognition as a fundamental truth.

coherent vision

Focuses on the logical consistency and clarity of the overall perspective.

structured thought

Highlights the organized and systematic nature of the idea.

FAQs

How can I use "a clearly defined idea" in a sentence?

You can use "a clearly defined idea" to express that something is well-articulated and specific. For example, "The success of the project hinges on having "a clearly defined idea" of the target audience."

What are some alternatives to "a clearly defined idea"?

Some alternatives to "a clearly defined idea" include "well-defined concept", "precise notion", or "explicit concept", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to have "a clearly defined idea" or a vague concept?

Having "a clearly defined idea" is generally preferable, as it provides a solid foundation for planning and execution. A vague concept lacks the necessary specificity for effective action.

In what contexts is "a clearly defined idea" most important?

"A clearly defined idea" is crucial in various contexts such as project management, strategic planning, and academic research, where clarity and precision are essential for success. Having "a concrete plan" is often necessary.