a serious idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing concepts or thoughts that carry significant weight or importance. Example: "The proposal presented at the meeting was not just a casual suggestion; it was a serious idea that required thorough consideration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Not even a serious idea.

The New York Times - Magazine

"More people understand this time around that you have to have a serious idea," he said.

The New York Times

Often enough, something we propose as a serious idea turns out to be more or less a joke.

The New Yorker

Because Savage is a serious idea man, and I think that comes out in the essay I ultimately wrote.

The New York Times

It wasn't treated as a serious idea, but then it began to get discussed online and began to grow".

The Guardian

The schoolgirls don't signify anything, except, perhaps, that the remaining pages are going to get weird, and that a serious idea will be toyed with.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

To have a historically credible media outlet like CNN help perpetuate the notion that Donald Trump is a serious ideas person or policy mind ultimately reflects very poorly not just on CNN, but on the country.

Huffington Post

The genius of Britain is continuity, a very serious idea of which William and Kate now become part.

The New York Times

"The president has failed to offer a single serious idea to save Social Security and is the only president in modern history to cut Medicare benefits for seniors".

The New York Times

But HackPad has a more serious idea: actually taking notes about the panels and keynotes you go to, with other people who care.

TechCrunch

Yet, underlying the prejudice, there's a deep and serious idea that repays attention.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a serious idea", provide supporting evidence and logical reasoning to enhance its credibility and persuasiveness.

Common error

Avoid presenting every idea as "a serious idea". Reserve this description for proposals that genuinely warrant significant attention and have substantial implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious idea" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a concept or proposal that is considered important and worthy of attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious idea" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a thought or proposal of significant importance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly acceptable for use in written English. As demonstrated by the numerous examples, it commonly appears in news articles, business reports, and arts publications. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with its intended meaning of importance and consideration. Remember to provide supporting details to bolster the credibility of "a serious idea". While the phrase enjoys widespread use, avoid overusing it to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant concept

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the idea.

a weighty proposal

Highlights the importance and potential consequences of the suggestion.

a noteworthy notion

Stresses the distinctiveness and attention-worthiness of the idea.

a profound thought

Suggests the idea is deep, insightful, and intellectually stimulating.

a well-developed plan

Indicates that the idea has been thoroughly thought out and prepared.

a feasible concept

Highlights the practicality and achievability of the idea.

a credible suggestion

Suggests that the idea is believable and trustworthy.

a valuable proposition

Emphasizes the potential benefits and worth of the idea.

a substantial theory

Indicates that the idea is solid, well-supported, and has significant implications.

an important consideration

Highlights that the idea should be carefully taken into account.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious idea" to describe a concept or proposal that warrants careful consideration, such as, "The politician presented "a serious idea" for reforming the healthcare system".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a significant concept", "a weighty proposal", or "a noteworthy notion".

When is it appropriate to describe something as "a serious idea"?

It's appropriate when the idea has significant implications, requires careful thought, and is more than just a passing suggestion. It should be a concept worthy of substantial consideration.

What makes an idea "serious"?

A "serious idea" typically involves well-reasoned arguments, potential consequences, and relevance to important issues. It's characterized by depth, significance, and the need for thorough evaluation.