a lovely idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lovely idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express approval or appreciation for a suggestion or concept that is considered pleasant or appealing. Example: "I think hosting a picnic in the park is a lovely idea for our summer gathering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is a lovely idea.

The New York Times

What a lovely idea!" RIMA SUQI.

The New York Times

Which is a lovely idea.

The Guardian

"It's a lovely idea," he said.

The New York Times

"That's a lovely idea," he told me.

The New Yorker

A lovely idea, but not true.

The Guardian

"What a lovely idea," she said, finally.

The Guardian

Ron Havilio had a lovely idea.

The New York Times

That was such a lovely idea.

The Guardian - Tech

It was a lovely idea, but it still hasn't happened.

The New Yorker

"Wouldn't that be a lovely idea?" he exclaims.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering constructive feedback, precede or follow the phrase with specific reasons why the idea is appealing, making your endorsement more impactful.

Common error

While "a lovely idea" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "an excellent proposal" or "a valuable suggestion" in professional documents or presentations to maintain a polished and authoritative tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lovely idea" primarily functions as a subjective complement, expressing a positive evaluation or endorsement of a plan, suggestion, or concept. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lovely idea" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express approval and appreciation for a suggestion or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and register, opting for more formal alternatives in professional settings. The phrase is frequently found in news and media, indicating its general acceptability and understandability. For alternatives, consider phrases like "a wonderful concept" or "an excellent suggestion" to convey similar sentiments with slight variations in tone. Remember to use this phrase strategically to maximize its positive impact and avoid overuse in contexts that demand a more authoritative voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brilliant thought

Emphasizes the intelligence and ingenuity behind the idea.

a wonderful concept

Emphasizes the imaginative and innovative aspect of the idea.

an appealing concept

Focuses on the attractive and engaging nature of the idea.

a delightful plan

Highlights the pleasant and enjoyable nature of the proposal.

a charming thought

Highlights the pleasant and agreeable nature of the idea.

a fantastic proposal

Highlights the exciting and promising nature of the suggestion.

an excellent suggestion

Focuses on the practicality and suitability of the idea.

a pleasing suggestion

Emphasizes the satisfying and agreeable nature of the idea.

a superb scheme

Implies a well-organized and effective plan.

a splendid notion

Suggests a grand and impressive quality of the idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "a lovely idea" to express approval or appreciation, like: "Implementing flexible work hours is "a lovely idea", it could boost employee morale."

What are some alternatives to "a lovely idea"?

Alternatives include "a wonderful concept", "an excellent suggestion", or "a brilliant thought", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a lovely idea" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives such as "a valuable suggestion" or "a promising proposal" in professional settings to maintain a formal tone.

What is the difference between "a lovely idea" and "a good idea"?

"A lovely idea" conveys a stronger sense of appreciation and enjoyment, while "a good idea" simply indicates that something is practical or beneficial. "A lovely idea" suggests it's not just effective but also pleasing or delightful.