a rational idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"a rational idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an idea that is sensible or logical. For example, "Making a donation to charity is a rational idea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

On-site renewable energy "looks good" but was not "a rational idea," Mr. Hoelzle said.

The New York Times

"I think my behavior was a combination of a rational idea — that it was better to be talking to people who hated us or disapproved of us than not — and that good old-fashioned encumbrance of mine, the desire to please".

The New Yorker

A work of art expresses or exhibits an aesthetic idea in so far as it succeeds in giving sensible form to a rational idea.

SEP

His stated purpose was to restore the Christian principle to its source in creative self-consciousness; he did not yet openly oppose the principle itself, but sought to differentiate it, as a rational idea, from ecclesiastical dogmatism.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's not 100percentt clear the extent to which Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia meant what it sounded like he meant, but tossing around the word "revolt" in the context of a discussion of the U.S. government is never a smart nor rational idea.

Huffington Post

Despite the density and richness of its language, however, "The Fever" doesn't go very deep in its analysis of the fundamental causes of the world's inequities or posit any rational ideas about how they could be eased.

The New York Times

A work of genius must have "spirit," which it gets through its content, typically as Kant assumes without argument, although perhaps in his time, long before the invention of non-objective art, without any real need for argument a rational idea, indeed an idea relevant specifically to morality.

SEP

Rather than projecting the rational idea of negotiating a reasonable immigration reform package, Hannity and Perry opted instead to suggest that a rifle loaded with rounds bigger than their penises is the only real way to deal with the border issue.

Huffington Post

The most rational idea I could summon was to purchase a Polish donut and listen to bootleg disco dance music on the street.

Vice

Since then, the rational idea behind designing the drug has given way to an unexpectedly complex range of outcomes.

MIT Technology Review

In this passage Kant makes the distinction between the Æsthetic Idea and the Rational Idea, and it marks the transition from the consideration of the æsthetic judgment of taste to that of the teleological judgment of purpose in Nature.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rational idea", ensure the context supports a logical and well-reasoned approach. Avoid using it in situations where emotions or subjective opinions are primary drivers.

Common error

Avoid describing purely emotional decisions or preferences as "a rational idea". Rationality implies a thought process, whereas emotions are driven by feelings and instincts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rational idea" functions as a noun phrase, where 'rational' modifies 'idea', indicating a thought or concept that is based on reason and logic. This construction is used to describe ideas that are well-reasoned and sensible. As Ludwig AI states, it correctly and usefully denotes a sensible or logical concept.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rational idea" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a concept based on reason and logic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for denoting sensible or logical concepts. Although relatively rare, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure the idea genuinely stems from logical reasoning rather than emotions. Alternatives such as "a sensible notion" or "a logical concept" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis. Remember to consider the context to ensure the most appropriate word choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A sensible notion

Emphasizes practicality and ease of understanding, differing slightly in focus from rationality.

A sound plan

Implies a well-structured and reliable approach, shifting from the idea itself to its implementation.

A logical concept

Highlights the step-by-step reasoning and coherence of the concept, versus its broader rationality.

A well-reasoned thought

Focuses on the process behind the idea, stressing the justification and logical steps.

An intelligent suggestion

Suggests cleverness and insight, slightly altering the emphasis from pure rationality.

A pragmatic approach

Stresses practicality and effectiveness in real-world situations, rather than theoretical rationality.

A clearheaded proposal

Highlights the absence of confusion or emotional bias in the idea's formulation.

A judicious scheme

Implies careful consideration and wise judgment in the development of the plan.

A coherent framework

Emphasizes the internal consistency and interconnectedness of the idea's components.

A realistic outlook

Focuses on the feasibility and grounded nature of the idea, contrasting with idealistic or unrealistic notions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rational idea" to describe a thought or plan that is logical and sensible. For example, "Investing in renewable energy is "a rational idea" for a sustainable future."

What are some alternatives to saying "a rational idea"?

Alternatives include "a sensible notion", "a sound plan", or "a logical concept", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to describe something as "a rational idea"?

No, it's not always appropriate. "A rational idea" implies a logical and reasoned approach. If the decision is based on emotions or personal preferences, it might not be accurate to describe it as such. For example, choosing a particular flavor of ice cream is typically not "a rational idea".

What distinguishes "a rational idea" from "a good idea"?

"A good idea" is a broader term and can encompass ideas that are creative, innovative, or beneficial, even if they're not strictly logical. "A rational idea" specifically emphasizes the logical and reasoned basis for the idea.