a far-fetched idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a far-fetched idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an idea that is unlikely or implausible, often suggesting that it is difficult to believe or accept. Example: "While the proposal seemed interesting, many considered it to be a far-fetched idea that lacked practical application."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

This is not a far-fetched idea.

The Economist

It's not such a far-fetched idea.

MIT Technology Review

Executives from RealNetworks, for example, say that technical parity is not such a far-fetched idea.

The New York Times

But Ms Le Pen in the Elysée Palace is no longer a far-fetched idea.

The Guardian - Opinion

Exactly 18 months ago, this seemed a far-fetched idea, difficult to convince anyone – and who could blame them?

The Guardian

I know it seems like a far-fetched idea, but a lot of people are scared of something like this happening.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Hey what used to sound like a far fetched idea, ($23 Billion/yr), sounds pretty damn reasonable to me.

Huffington Post

"What is it?" "Are we sure there isn't a God?" "It's a pretty far-fetched idea, don't you think?" "I have the strongest feeling that he's still alive somewhere".

The New Yorker

A more far-fetched idea could be a spray with heat-sensitive microcapsules containing a skin-friendly liquid that evaporated quickly.

Forbes

At that point it was a completely far-fetched idea but it became a reality".

The Guardian - Books

The good news is that over the past several years, there has been a salient shift in regulatory attitudes towards drone delivery as an inevitability which needs to be facilitated rather than a dangerous, far-fetched idea which regulation should keep permanently grounded.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a far-fetched idea" to express skepticism or disbelief about a proposal, especially when you want to avoid being overly critical. This subtly conveys your doubt without being dismissive.

Common error

While "a far-fetched idea" is a useful idiom, relying on it too frequently can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "an implausible notion" or "an unrealistic expectation" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a far-fetched idea" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "far-fetched" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "idea". Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, highlighting its role in expressing doubt or skepticism.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a far-fetched idea" is a common phrase used to describe something implausible or unlikely. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed in news, media, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider synonyms like "an implausible notion" or "an unlikely concept" to avoid repetition. The phrase is suitable for neutral settings, conveying a sense of skepticism without being overly critical. Understanding its usage nuances can significantly enhance clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an implausible notion

Replaces "far-fetched" with "implausible", focusing on the lack of believability.

an unlikely concept

Substitutes "far-fetched" with "unlikely", emphasizing the low probability of the idea.

a fanciful concept

Replaces "far-fetched" with "fanciful", highlighting the imaginative and unrealistic nature of the idea.

an outlandish thought

Replaces "far-fetched" with "outlandish", emphasizing the bizarre or unconventional nature of the idea.

a remote possibility

Shifts the focus from the idea itself to the low chance of it happening.

an unrealistic expectation

Focuses on the idea as an expectation that is unlikely to be met.

a pipe dream

Uses a more figurative expression to describe an unrealistic or unattainable idea.

a stretch of the imagination

Highlights the difficulty in believing or accepting the idea.

a wild guess

Suggests the idea is based on speculation rather than evidence.

a flight of fancy

Emphasizes the imaginative and whimsical aspect of the idea.

FAQs

What does "a far-fetched idea" mean?

The phrase "a far-fetched idea" describes something that is unlikely or difficult to believe. It suggests that an idea is unrealistic or implausible.

How can I use "a far-fetched idea" in a sentence?

You can use "a far-fetched idea" to express doubt or skepticism about a proposal. For example: "His plan to build a self-sustaining colony on Mars seemed like "an implausible notion"."

What are some alternatives to "a far-fetched idea"?

Alternatives include "an unlikely concept", "a pipe dream", or "an outlandish thought". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a far-fetched idea" formal or informal?

"A far-fetched idea" is suitable for both neutral and informal contexts. In more formal writing, you might prefer alternatives like "an implausible notion" or "an unrealistic expectation".