a notion about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a notion about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an idea, belief, or understanding regarding a particular subject or topic. Example: "She has a notion about how the universe operates that differs from mainstream science."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Sanders made his name in Chicago real estate before moving back to his hometown of El Paso a decade ago with a notion about remaking the city's identity.

The New York Times - Magazine

Jarmusch offers a notion about the connection between art and evil, between creation and depredation.

The New Yorker

Before eleventh grade he got a notion about the numbers 4 05.

The New Yorker

"There is a notion about me that is not accurate at all — I don't know who started it or where it came from — that people can't control me," Martin told Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports in November.

The New York Times - Sports

Like every president, Bush believed he could bring peace to the Middle East, and he even had a notion about how to do it: "My vision is two states, living side by side in peace and security".

The New York Times - Books

What is probably less so, under these conditions, is first of all to write a play, and then, having done so, not to have the ghost of a notion about it either.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

When I set out to write the book that would become Rebel of the Sands, all I had was a vague notion about a girl who was a sharpshooter on the run with a boy.

The Guardian

So when I got the role I had never even seen a Bond film and had only had a vague notion about the idea of a Bond girl.

The New York Times

Each party may have a different notion about what constitutes a restraint and how it can be safely used, adding further weight to the burden shouldered by staff.

BMC Nursing

Favorable attitudes towards family planning and a clear notion about what constitutes an ideal smaller family size reflect less conservative behavior and more openness to modern health-related concepts and services.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

What initially seemed like a stylistic disconnect evolved into a reassuring notion about continuity and the surprising capability of something so old to accommodate something so new.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a notion about" when you want to introduce a general idea or belief that may not be fully formed or universally accepted. It suggests a preliminary understanding rather than a definitive conclusion.

Common error

Avoid using "a notion about" when you want to convey a well-established fact or a widely accepted theory. Opt for phrases like "the consensus on" or "the evidence suggests" to indicate greater certainty and validation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a notion about" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It introduces an idea, belief, or understanding pertaining to a particular subject. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in expressing general ideas or perspectives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a notion about" is a prepositional phrase commonly used to introduce an idea, belief, or understanding related to a specific topic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While "a notion about" is versatile, it's important to be mindful of the context to avoid overstating certainty. Alternatives like "an idea regarding" or "a concept concerning" can offer subtle shifts in formality. Remember to use "a notion about" when introducing a preliminary or general idea, rather than a well-established fact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an idea regarding

Replaces "notion" with "idea" and "about" with "regarding", maintaining the same meaning with a slight shift in formality.

a concept concerning

Substitutes "notion" with "concept" and "about" with "concerning", offering a more formal and academic tone.

an understanding of

Replaces the phrase with a focus on comprehension, using "understanding" instead of "notion".

a belief regarding

Emphasizes a conviction or opinion, using "belief" instead of "notion".

a perspective on

Highlights a particular viewpoint or way of seeing things, differing slightly from a general idea.

a thought concerning

Uses "thought" as a more general term for an idea, slightly reducing the formality.

a viewpoint regarding

Similar to perspective, but emphasizing a specific position or stance.

an opinion on

Focuses on a personal judgment or evaluation, rather than a general understanding.

an impression of

Suggests a feeling or sense about something, which may not be fully formed or concrete.

an inkling about

Implies a vague or uncertain idea, reducing the certainty compared to "notion".

FAQs

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

You can use "a notion about" to introduce an idea or belief someone holds, such as, "She has "a notion about" how the universe operates that differs from mainstream science".

What are some alternatives to "a notion about"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an idea regarding", "a concept concerning", or "an understanding of", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a notion of" instead of "a notion about"?

While "a notion of" is grammatically correct, ""a notion about"" is typically used when the notion relates to a specific subject or topic. "A notion of" often refers to a general understanding or concept.

What's the difference between "a notion about" and "a hypothesis about"?

While both introduce ideas, ""a notion about"" suggests a more informal or preliminary idea. A "hypothesis about" implies a more structured and testable proposition, often within a scientific context.