a ghost of an idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a ghost of an idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a vague or insubstantial concept that lacks clarity or substance. Example: "The proposal was just a ghost of an idea, lacking any concrete details or actionable steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Conjuring up what Dickens himself described as a "ghost of an idea," about a rich man's conversion from heel to hero, he got to work.

The New York Times

Saving most of its special-effects pennies until the final five minutes, "Hangar 10" struggles to build a science-fiction movie from little more than a ghost of an idea and an infamous location.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was a ghost of a suite.

The New York Times

A ghost of a smirk.

The New York Times

Mr. Morton's character is described in the play as "a flimsy ghost of an idea" who is "groomed to only go so far".

The New York Times

Her friend Tennessee Williams told the story: According to the legends that surround her early period in the city, she first established her residence, quite unwittingly, in a house of prostitution,... and had not the ghost of an idea of what illicit enterprise was going on there.

The New Yorker

The model is the ghost of a failed idea.

The New York Times

A ghost of itself.

The Guardian

A ghost of the ghost he had already become.

The Guardian - Music

Is this a ghost of postcolonial past?

Duke University

Make a ghost of every colour.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to determine if a more direct term like "vague idea" or "unformed concept" might be more appropriate, depending on the level of nuance you wish to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "a ghost of an idea" too frequently, especially in formal writing. Overuse can make your writing seem melodramatic or unclear. Choose more straightforward language when precision is essential.

Linguistic Context

"A ghost of an idea" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes something that lacks substance or is in an early stage of development. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a ghost of an idea" is a noun phrase used to describe an insubstantial or undeveloped concept. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound, though less common than alternatives like "vague idea". While it appears across various contexts, it's more prevalent in news and media and academia, suitable for conveying a lack of clarity or substance. When aiming for precision in formal contexts, simpler, less figurative language is preferable. Remember to not overuse the phrase to prevent your writing from sounding melodramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A vague notion

Emphasizes the lack of clarity in the idea.

A faint suggestion

Highlights the subtlety and lack of strength in the idea.

A shadow of a concept

Implies that the idea is just a fleeting representation of something more substantial.

A glimmer of a thought

Focuses on the initial, undeveloped stage of the idea.

A wisp of an idea

Suggests the idea is fragile and insubstantial.

An embryonic concept

Highlights the early stage of development of the idea.

A trace of a plan

Emphasizes the minimal presence and underdeveloped nature of the plan.

A hint of a scheme

Implies a secretive or not yet fully formed plan.

An inkling of a thought

Focuses on the initial, uncertain stage of the thought.

A rudimentary idea

Highlights the basic and undeveloped nature of the idea.

FAQs

How can I use "a ghost of an idea" in a sentence?

You can use "a ghost of an idea" to describe a concept that is vague, insubstantial, or not fully developed. For example: "The project proposal was just "a ghost of an idea", lacking concrete details."

What can I say instead of "a ghost of an idea"?

You can use alternatives like "a vague notion", "a faint suggestion", or "a shadow of a concept" depending on the context.

Is "a ghost of an idea" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct, "a ghost of an idea" is not as common as simpler alternatives like "vague idea". Its use adds a more figurative, slightly dramatic flair to the description.

What is the difference between "a ghost of an idea" and "a vague idea"?

"A vague idea" simply means an idea that lacks clarity. "A ghost of an idea" implies that the idea is not only unclear but also insubstantial or barely present, suggesting a greater degree of incompleteness.