a faint notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a faint notion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a vague or unclear idea or impression that someone has about something. Example: "She had a faint notion that something was wrong, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Selfishly, under the guise of a faint notion of "independence", I had so manfully been in denial – and thus set everything back.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Her husband, Dr. Peter Savard, barely thought about the hunt, though he had faint notions of a bucolic suburb — with fishing holes and playing fields — as a good place for their young son.

The New York Times

Unlike the United States, where endemic concerns about government overspending make trouble for the left, Europe's social democrats (and many, many politically nonaffiliated Europeans) have only faint notions of givebacks from the work force to compensate for flattened economies.

The New York Times

"Crystalline" has the faintest notion of a catchy hook, and there is a brief moment of deep bass club-worthy implosion in "Mutual Core," my favorite track.

The New York Times - Arts

And that they can be bereft of ideas or the faintest notion of a gameplan or philosophy.

Independent

Driver: I haven't the faintest notion.

The New Yorker

I hadn't the faintest notion what he meant.

The New York Times - Magazine

We haven't the faintest notion how far, if anywhere, it is willing to go, but the Internal Revenue Service has a Permissive Branch.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, December 31 , 1966P. 24 We haven't the faintest notion how far, if anywhere, it is willing to go, but the Internal Revenue Service has a Permissive Branch.

The New Yorker

No one has the faintest notion of all the various movements and combinations of the molecules of these two fluids which accompany the appearance of the precipitate.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It is obvious that none of you has the faintest notion of the bitter disappointment each of you has in your own way dished out to us.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a faint notion" with additional details to provide a clearer picture of what the idea entails. Example: "He had a faint notion of what needed to be done, but lacked a detailed plan."

Common error

Avoid using "a faint notion" when the idea is actually well-defined. Using it in such cases can confuse the reader and undermine the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a faint notion" typically functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a faint notion" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a vague or unclear idea. Ludwig's analysis suggests it's suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic writing. Alternatives like "a vague idea" or "a slight idea" can be used for similar effect. Remember to use the phrase when expressing an idea that lacks clarity, and avoid it when the idea is well-defined. Overall, it's a versatile phrase for expressing uncertainty or incomplete understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vague idea

Replaces "faint" with "vague", emphasizing the lack of clarity.

a slight idea

Substitutes "faint" with "slight", indicating a small or minimal idea.

a dim idea

Uses "dim" instead of "faint" to describe a poorly formed or unclear idea.

a hazy idea

Replaces "faint" with "hazy", suggesting an obscured or unclear understanding.

a rough idea

Indicates an approximate or not fully developed idea.

a fleeting thought

Replaces the whole phrase with a transient or quickly disappearing thought.

a glimmer of an idea

Uses "glimmer" to convey a faint or initial hint of an idea.

a suspicion

Suggests a feeling or belief based on little evidence.

a feeling

Emphasizes the intuitive and less defined nature of the idea.

an inkling

Implies a vague awareness or suspicion about something.

FAQs

What does "a faint notion" mean?

The phrase "a faint notion" refers to a vague or unclear idea, a slight understanding, or an impression that is not very strong or detailed. It suggests that someone has some awareness of something, but the details are not clear or well-formed.

How can I use "a faint notion" in a sentence?

You can use "a faint notion" to describe someone's understanding or awareness of something. For example: "She had "a faint notion" that something was amiss, but she couldn't quite place her finger on it."

What can I say instead of "a faint notion"?

You can use alternatives like "a vague idea", "a slight idea", or "a hazy idea" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the faintest notion" instead of "a faint notion"?

Yes, "the faintest notion" is also correct and often used to emphasize that the idea is extremely vague or minimal. For instance, you might say, "They didn't have "the faintest notion" of what was going on."