a notion of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a notion of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an idea, concept, or understanding of something. Example: "The research paper explores a notion of freedom that transcends traditional definitions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm encouraging a notion of play evolution versus play development.

The New York Times

I had a notion of how it should go.

The Guardian

"The island has a notion of being reborn.

The New Yorker

It implies coercion toward a notion of the good.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is a notion of education dictated by seat time.

The New York Times

Both aspects of citizenship imply a notion of mutual obligation.

The Guardian

One was a notion of branding, and discipline.

The Guardian

Each offered a notion of what he wanted.

The New York Times

You are denying me every sense of a notion of justice".

The New York Times

In this version of events Brazil represented a notion of escape from an older, stuffier world.

The Guardian - Sport

Our modern notions of Love are inextricably linked to a notion of Romanticism.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a notion of" to introduce abstract ideas or concepts, providing context and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a notion of" without clearly defining the concept you are referring to. Ensure the reader understands what notion you are discussing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a notion of" functions as a noun phrase introducing a concept, idea, or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a notion of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce an idea or concept. According to Ludwig, it is considered correct in the English language. It's most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, suggesting its versatility across various domains. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by defining the specific concept you're introducing. While alternatives like "an idea of" or "a concept of" exist, "a notion of" is a reliable choice for expressing abstract ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an idea about

Focuses on a specific thought or concept, slightly less formal.

a concept regarding

More formal and academic, emphasizing a specific idea.

a perception concerning

Emphasizes individual viewpoint or understanding.

an understanding relating to

Highlights comprehension and connection to something else.

a view pertaining to

Implies a personal opinion or perspective.

a belief concerning

Highlights a conviction or acceptance of something.

an impression regarding

Focuses on a subjective feeling or sense.

a theory relating to

Emphasizes a structured explanation or model.

an inkling about

Suggests a vague or intuitive understanding.

a suspicion concerning

Implies a lack of certainty or trust.

FAQs

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

You can use "a notion of" to introduce a concept or idea, like in the sentence, "The philosopher explored "a notion of justice"."

What are some alternatives to "a notion of"?

Alternatives include "an idea of", "a concept of", or "an understanding of", depending on the specific context.

Is "a notion of" formal or informal?

"A notion of" is generally considered neutral to formal and can be used in various writing contexts.

What's the difference between "a notion of" and "an idea of"?

While similar, "a notion of" often implies a more abstract or theoretical concept, whereas "an idea of" can refer to a more concrete or specific thought.