a sensational idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sensational idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an idea that is exciting, impressive, or remarkable. Example: "The team presented a sensational idea for the new marketing campaign that left everyone in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This is a sensational idea for a children's book, as awesome as falling down a rabbit hole, as creepy as looking under a rock.

The New York Times - Books

Welles, with his sense of the dramatic, would have known at once what a sensational idea a movie about Hearst was.

The New Yorker

The angry purple bruise tattooed along the inner biceps of my Seattle friend Tad Seder suggested that his grasp for a passing tree -- while in a headfirst free fall for the better length of a football field -- had not been a sensational idea.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Putting aside the sensational ideas proposed in "Time Reborn," it is a triumph of modern physics that we are even asking such questions as what determined the initial conditions of the universe.

The New York Times - Books

Fritz incorporates a wealth of background information and insider baseball while buttressing his own provocative contentions, making this a hearty treat for history buffs". "In Invented Knowledge, Ronald Fritze makes a level-headed and well-researched investigation into pseudo-knowledge, revealing the tricks used by purveyors of false and sensational ideas.

University of Chicago

Neither should junior scientists submit a sensational, ground-breaking idea, at least until Registered Reports become more commonplace, he recommends.

Science Magazine

In February of 1960, the American magazine Look ran a cover story that asked, "Should a Girl Be First in Space?" It was a sensational headline representing an audacious idea at the time.

Independent

"We all thought we had a sensational hit.

The New York Times

That's a sensational feature when your friends or your family members are trying to brainstorm ideas for a wedding, vacation, baby shower or renovation.

The New York Times - Tech

It was a sensational discovery at the time: the wave nature of light had been well-demonstrated, but the idea that light had both wave and particle properties was not easily accepted.

Wikipedia

But now a sensational, high-profile and unrelated crime has not only resurrected her experience of the attack — it has also given her an idea of who raped her.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sensational idea" when you want to convey that an idea is not only good but also creates a strong positive impression or excitement. It's suitable for contexts where enthusiasm is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "a sensational idea" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral or objective tone is preferred. Opt for phrases like "a remarkable concept" or "an innovative approach" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sensational idea" functions as a noun phrase where "sensational" modifies the noun "idea". It serves to describe the quality of the idea, emphasizing its impressiveness or excitement. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sensational idea" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a particularly impressive or exciting concept. While it is most common in News & Media, Ludwig indicates it is appropriate in multiple contexts. For more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "a remarkable concept" or "an innovative approach". Be mindful of the potential for overuse and ensure its usage aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remarkable concept

Replaces "sensational" with a more neutral synonym, focusing on the noteworthiness of the idea.

an outstanding notion

Substitutes "sensational" with "outstanding", highlighting the superior quality of the idea.

an exceptional thought

Emphasizes the unusual and superior nature of the idea.

a brilliant suggestion

Focuses on the cleverness and effectiveness of the idea.

an incredible plan

Highlights the extraordinary and almost unbelievable quality of the idea, framed as a plan.

a groundbreaking proposal

Emphasizes the innovative and revolutionary aspect of the idea.

an ingenious scheme

Highlights the clever and inventive nature of the idea, presented as a scheme.

a truly inspired concept

Emphasizes the creativity and originality behind the idea.

a visionary approach

Focuses on the forward-thinking and innovative nature of the idea.

a magnificent innovation

Highlights the grandeur and novelty of the idea, presented as an innovation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sensational idea" to describe a concept that is particularly impressive or exciting. For instance, "The marketing team presented "a sensational idea" for the new campaign that everyone loved."

What are some alternatives to "a sensational idea"?

Alternatives include "a remarkable concept", "an outstanding notion", or "an exceptional thought". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a sensational idea" too informal for academic writing?

While not strictly incorrect, "a sensational idea" might be perceived as too enthusiastic for some academic contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "an innovative approach" or "a groundbreaking proposal" to maintain a formal tone.

What's the difference between "a sensational idea" and "a good idea"?

"A good idea" is a general term for any beneficial concept. "A sensational idea" implies that the idea is not only good but also particularly impressive, exciting, or attention-grabbing.