a diseased idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a diseased idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an idea that is harmful, corrupt, or morally wrong, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The proposal to limit freedom of speech was widely criticized as a diseased idea that threatened democracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Unless, by some strange quirk of fate she is your mum, but that's such a diseased idea that would make you her uncle or something.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A diseased mind cannot cure itself.

Huffington Post

In a diseased mind, an object of manipulation can descend into an object of destructive impulses.

Huffington Post

Terry Pratchett warned, "Multiple exclamation marks are a sure sign of a diseased mind".

Vice

"The idea of paying upwards of $100 to eat pieces of a diseased organ would be laughably funny to most people if it didn't involve cramming pipes down birds' throats and painfully force-feeding them".

The New York Times

While there is still much more to learn about the origins of Homo floresiensis, the authors say the study should at least dispel the idea that the more complete Hobbit skeleton from Liang Bua represents a diseased modern human.

Los Angeles Times

The idea of gene therapy is beautifully simple: by repairing, replacing or modulating the activity of a diseased gene, you should be able to target the underlying causes of the pathology directly.

BioEssays

These findings support the idea that bi-stable switches may be a mechanism for locking the core gene network into a diseased state and for efficiently propagating perturbations to more distant regions of the network.

Cell Death and Disease

One idea is that tiny particles will be able to deliver minute amounts of a drug directly to a target -- a diseased cell, say -- within the body.

The New York Times - Science

"He didn't have a diseased heart," Eison said.

The New York Times - Sports

I developed two ulcers, chronic pancreatitis, a diseased liver...'.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger language like "corrupt concept" or "toxic notion" for more impact, depending on the context and audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a diseased idea" in neutral or positive contexts. The phrase carries a strong negative connotation and is inappropriate for describing anything beneficial or harmless.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a diseased idea" is to act as a noun phrase, where "diseased" modifies the noun "idea". It functions as a descriptor, attributing a negative quality to the concept being discussed. Ludwig AI confirms this with example from Vice.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a diseased idea" is a noun phrase used to express strong disapproval of a concept, portraying it as harmful or corrupt. As Ludwig AI displays, its usage, while grammatically sound, is relatively uncommon and primarily found in news media and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context warrants its negative connotation and that the intended meaning is clearly conveyed. Stronger alternatives, such as "a corrupt concept" or "a toxic notion", can provide added impact depending on the desired effect. While Ludwig AI analysis shows the phrase is correct, it also hints at a better expression by swapping words to sound more appropriate for different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a corrupt concept

Emphasizes the moral decay and corruption inherent in the idea.

a morally bankrupt idea

Highlights the lack of ethical or moral foundation.

a toxic notion

Focuses on the harmful and destructive nature of the idea.

a malignant concept

Draws a parallel to a disease that spreads and causes harm.

a perverse thought

Indicates a deviation from what is considered normal or acceptable.

a twisted notion

Suggests the idea is distorted and unnatural.

a misguided concept

Highlights the flawed reasoning or understanding behind the idea.

a flawed premise

Focuses on the incorrect or unsound basis of the idea.

a destructive philosophy

Emphasizes the potential for harm and ruin associated with the idea's implementation.

an unsound principle

Highlights the lack of a solid or reasonable foundation for the idea.

FAQs

What does "a diseased idea" mean?

The phrase "a diseased idea" is a metaphor for an idea that is harmful, corrupt, or morally wrong. It suggests that the idea is like a disease that can spread and cause damage.

What can I say instead of "a diseased idea"?

You can use alternatives like "a corrupt concept", "a toxic notion", or "a malignant concept" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what context is it appropriate to use "a diseased idea"?

It is appropriate to use "a diseased idea" when you want to strongly criticize an idea, emphasizing its potential for harm or corruption. It's often used in discussions about politics, ethics, or social issues.

Is "a diseased idea" a common expression?

No, "a diseased idea" is not a very common expression. While grammatically correct, there are more frequently used alternatives like "a flawed concept" or "a harmful idea".