a reasonable idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a suggestion or proposal that is logical or sensible in a given context. Example: "After considering the various options, I believe that implementing a four-day workweek is a reasonable idea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a reasonable idea.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ms. Mayzler thought that sounded like a reasonable idea.

The New York Times

"Well, that's certainly a reasonable idea," DeLillo says, doubtfully.

The Guardian - Books

This is a reasonable idea but unduly limited.

The New York Times

Which, if indoctrination of the girls works, seems a reasonable idea.

The Economist

A reasonable idea shouldn't be used to further our way down the path to doom.

The New York Times

It was, theoretically, quite a reasonable idea when Adolph Zukor thought it up in 1912.

The New York Times - Arts

"With cement, cars, steel, you have a reasonable idea of what's actually being produced.

The Guardian - Tech

Errol thought it best to consider this a reasonable idea until he could collect his thoughts.

The New Yorker

Like so many things that go terribly wrong, it started as a reasonable idea.

The New York Times

Most controls came courtesy of the parent company — a reasonable idea, considering the economies of scale.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a reasonable idea", support it with evidence or examples to enhance its credibility and persuasiveness.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a reasonable idea" as the only solution; acknowledge potential alternatives and their merits to maintain objectivity and foster open discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable idea" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It often qualifies a plan, suggestion, or concept, indicating its sensibility and logical coherence. Ludwig AI confirms this is a standard and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable idea" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe something logical and practical. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently across diverse sources like news media, science, and business. While versatile, consider the context; alternatives like "a sound concept" or "a sensible suggestion" may suit formal settings better. When using "a reasonable idea", support it with evidence and acknowledge alternative options to foster balanced discussion. The phrase is generally neutral in tone, making it appropriate for various communicative purposes, primarily to evaluate and endorse suggestions or plans.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sound concept

Replaces 'reasonable idea' with 'sound concept', emphasizing the solidity and reliability of the idea.

a sensible suggestion

Substitutes 'reasonable idea' with 'sensible suggestion', focusing on the practicality and judiciousness of the proposal.

a logical proposal

Replaces 'reasonable idea' with 'logical proposal', highlighting the rational and coherent nature of the plan.

a viable option

Substitutes 'reasonable idea' with 'viable option', emphasizing that the idea is capable of working or succeeding.

a practical approach

Replaces 'reasonable idea' with 'practical approach', focusing on the feasibility and usefulness of the method.

a tenable position

Changes 'reasonable idea' to 'tenable position', indicating that the idea can be defended or maintained against opposition.

a valid point

Replaces 'reasonable idea' with 'valid point', focusing on the truth and soundness of the idea.

a cogent argument

Changes 'reasonable idea' to 'cogent argument', indicating that the idea is clear, logical, and convincing.

a well-founded belief

Replaces 'reasonable idea' with 'well-founded belief', emphasizing the strong basis and justification for the idea.

a judicious plan

Substitutes 'reasonable idea' with 'judicious plan', focusing on the careful and wise nature of the proposed course of action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a reasonable idea" to describe a plan or suggestion that seems logical and practical. For example, "Implementing flexible work hours seems like "a reasonable idea" to improve employee satisfaction."

What's a more formal alternative to "a reasonable idea"?

In a formal setting, you could use phrases like "a sound concept", "a sensible suggestion", or "a logical proposal" instead of "a reasonable idea".

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

While generally positive, describing something as "a reasonable idea" might imply that it's not particularly innovative or groundbreaking. Consider the context and intended impact when using this phrase.

How does "a reasonable idea" differ from "a good idea"?

"A good idea" is more general and can be based on subjective preference, whereas "a reasonable idea" implies that the idea is logical, practical, and based on sound reasoning. You can think of it this way: a good idea might be exciting but impractical, while "a reasonable idea" is more about feasibility and common sense.