a particular idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a particular idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific concept or thought that is being discussed or considered. Example: "In our discussion, we will focus on a particular idea that challenges traditional beliefs about education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Like them, Adams was conscious that he was promoting a particular idea of wilderness — and a particular idea of photography.

The Washington Post

For nationalists, advancing a particular idea of Scottishness through the campaign was an end in itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Through them, a particular idea of how society might be organized is coming into view.

The New Yorker

Or, rather, it was born from a particular idea of the theatre, rooted in the midcentury avant-garde.

The New Yorker

Their distinguishing feature, apart from paying attention to what theatre people tell them, is a particular idea of time.

The Guardian - Arts

They can do that by responding "Who cares?" when they're asked whether a particular idea is socialist or not.

The Washington Post

His speeches before 2001 centered on a particular idea of personal liberty, private property, individual responsibility and minimal government.

The New York Times

Conducting interviews is a very important qualitative research technique that helps researchers obtains answers from respondents by exploring their perspectives on a particular idea, program, or situation.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Just so, to say that Donald Trump and other ignorant and foolish people are spreading a particular idea, it does not follow that the idea is therefore wrong.

University of California, Berkeley

My professor was sufficiently familiar with all the works of Descartes that he could tell me offhandedly that a particular idea did not appear in any of them!

Princeton University

The films have taught Americans a particular idea of what opera is, so that is the kind of opera Americans think they want.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a particular idea", ensure the context clarifies which specific idea you're referring to, either through prior discussion or immediate explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "a particular idea" without providing sufficient context. If the reader can't easily identify the idea you're referencing, the phrase becomes meaningless and weakens your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a particular idea" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. As evidenced by Ludwig, it introduces a specific concept or viewpoint for further discussion or analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

27%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a particular idea" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a specific concept or viewpoint. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While versatile, it's crucial to provide sufficient context to ensure clarity and avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "a specific concept" or "a certain notion" can be used depending on the intended emphasis. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "a particular idea" to communicate their thoughts with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific concept

Emphasizes the defined and distinct nature of the idea.

a defined concept

Highlights the clarity and precision of the idea.

a precise notion

Indicates an idea that is exact and carefully considered.

a certain notion

Suggests an idea that is held by some, but not necessarily universally accepted.

a chosen concept

Focuses on the active selection of an idea from a range of possibilities.

a singular thought

Implies a unique or individual idea.

a distinct perspective

Stresses the unique and individual nature of the point of view.

a given viewpoint

Focuses on the perspective or opinion being presented.

a detailed theory

Highlights the depth and complexity of the idea.

a selected plan

Emphasizes the choice and implementation aspect of the idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "a particular idea" to introduce a specific concept or viewpoint you want to discuss, for example: "Let's examine "a particular idea" related to sustainable development."

What are some alternatives to "a particular idea"?

Alternatives include "a specific concept", "a certain notion", or "a given viewpoint" depending on the intended nuance.

Is it redundant to say "a particular idea that is specific"?

Yes, it's generally redundant. "Particular" already implies specificity, so saying "a particular idea that is specific" is unnecessarily repetitive. Just use ""a particular idea"".

When should I use "a particular idea" versus "a general idea"?

"A particular idea" should be used when referring to a specific, well-defined concept. "A general idea" is appropriate when describing a broad, less-defined concept or overview.