a distinct idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distinct idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a concept or thought that is clear and separate from others. Example: "In her presentation, she introduced a distinct idea that challenged the traditional views on the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Even before he had much of an audience, he had a distinct idea of the audience he wanted.

The New Yorker

The Standard's chances of success are high: Murdoch appears ready to invest many millions of dollars; it has talent, an obvious niche, exquisite timing, and a distinct idea of itself.

The New Yorker

"It's a distinct idea of a woman I have in my head, but it's almost an imaginary figure that happens in the process of creation rather than at the end".

Independent

In 1801 William Playfair — who invented line charts and pie charts as a way to help people understand complex issues — published his Statistical Review and wrote of how important it is to make data interesting: "Making an appeal to the eye when proportion and magnitude are concerned, is the best and readiest method of conveying a distinct idea".

The Guardian

Definitions were also selected based on plausibility and clarity and the ease with which a three-word definition could convey a distinct idea.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

We read the participants' responses, identified each section of text that communicated a distinct idea or ideas, and assigned code(s) that captured these ideas (Birks and Mills 2011).

International Journal of STEM Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But Malebranche thinks this doctrine has an air of mystery to it, and fails to capture the magnitude and character of our dependence: 'that general and confused term concourse, by means of which we would explain creatures' dependence on God, rouses not a single distinct idea in an attentive mind' (OC 1 440, LO 231).

SEP

Especially for long-term personal loans, lenders will want to have a very distinct idea of why the applicant is pursuing the loan in the first place.

WikiHow

But there was nothing subjective about what he found: **{:.break one} ** When I consider the fact that I have doubts, or that I am a thing that is incomplete and dependent, then there arises in me a clear and distinct idea of a being who is independent and complete, that is, an idea of God.

The New Yorker

But there was nothing subjective about what he found: When I consider the fact that I have doubts, or that I am a thing that is incomplete and dependent, then there arises in me a clear and distinct idea of a being who is independent and complete, that is, an idea of God.

The New Yorker

The simple idea of pain, for example, is a clear and distinct idea of a sensory state in the mind, and the idea of the pain in the hand is a compound and confused idea of something in the hand that exactly resembles pain.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When structuring an argumentative essay, ensure that each body paragraph explores "a distinct idea" that supports the central thesis.

Common error

Avoid using "a distinct idea" when you actually mean an idea that closely resembles or is related to another. "Distinct" implies separateness and clarity, not similarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinct idea" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify and introduce a concept that is clearly differentiated from others. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical structure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a distinct idea" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that introduces a concept or viewpoint that is clearly differentiated from others. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. When using the phrase, emphasize its clarity and separateness, avoiding confusion with similar or related ideas. Alternatives include "a unique concept" and "a clear concept", each offering slightly different nuances. To avoid misusing the phrase, ensure the idea you're describing is truly distinct and not merely similar. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately use "a distinct idea" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique concept

Replaces "distinct idea" with "unique concept", emphasizing the originality of the idea.

a clear concept

Focuses on the clarity of the idea rather than its distinctness.

a separate notion

Highlights the separateness of the idea from other ideas.

a specific thought

Replaces "idea" with "thought", specifying it as a particular thought.

a well-defined concept

Highlights the clarity and precision of the idea.

a particular viewpoint

Emphasizes that the idea is a perspective or point of view.

a discrete thought

Focuses on the isolated and unconnected nature of the thought.

a novel perspective

Emphasizes the new and original nature of the idea.

a singular insight

Highlights the unique and penetrating understanding offered by the idea.

an individual theory

Suggests a personal or unique explanation or model.

FAQs

How can I use "a distinct idea" in a sentence?

You can use "a distinct idea" to introduce a new concept or viewpoint, as in "The author presents "a distinct idea" about the role of technology in education".

What are some alternatives to "a distinct idea"?

Alternatives include "a unique concept", "a clear concept", or "a separate notion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a distinct idea" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize that an idea is separate, clear, and distinguishable from other ideas. Use it to highlight originality or a new perspective.

Is there a difference between "a distinct idea" and "a different idea"?

"A distinct idea" emphasizes clarity and separateness, whereas "a different idea" simply means it's not the same as another idea, without necessarily implying clarity or uniqueness.