a significant idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"a significant idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an important concept or idea. For example, "John presented a significant idea about how to improve our sales process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Independent and virtually simultaneous development of a significant idea is well known in the sciences.

The New York Times

Such stature is usually achieved cumulatively, not determined by one exhibition, but she definitely sets a significant idea in motion.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, there's a significant idea embedded within "Abundance": We should remain aware, as writers like Jared Diamond have likewise told us, that societies can choose their own future, and thus their own fate.

The New York Times - Books

Whether it's the death of big venture capital, the death of American airline industry, the death of market fundamentalism, the death of American welfare capitalism or the death of the global economy, Kedrosky – the author of the Infectious Greed blog – is at his most provocative when announcing the demise of a significant idea or institution.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

That's a hugely significant idea for a child that is sure to have a lasting impact.

Huffington Post

However, when asked to consider the future of home visits in general, the participants of our study failed to propose any significant ideas.

BMC Family Practice

The second movement of the Fifth provides a spell of calm, although beneath the surface a significant new idea is coming to life — a swaying motif of rising-and-falling intervals, which the horns pick up in the finale and transform into the grandest of all Sibelian themes.

The New Yorker

It has rather a blank at the centre, just where the others pivot on a significant controlling idea".

Wikipedia

His most significant idea is borrowed from the Manhattan Institute, the conservative research group, and would probably be dead on arrival in New York.

The New York Times

Additional information on bio-based sorbent material will provide significant idea on energy policy in future.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

We did not agree on every point, but we believe that we have presented a series of significant ideas to create jobs and improve competitiveness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a significant idea", provide context and explain its potential impact to ensure the audience understands its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant idea" to describe trivial concepts. Ensure the idea genuinely warrants the label by providing supporting evidence or clear reasoning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant idea" functions as a noun phrase, where 'significant' modifies 'idea'. It typically serves to introduce or highlight a concept that is deemed important, impactful, or noteworthy. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant idea" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to introduce an important or impactful concept. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It's commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context and evidence to support the idea's significance, as overstating its importance without justification can be a common error. Alternatives such as "a noteworthy concept" or "a crucial notion" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a noteworthy concept

Emphasizes the deserving of attention or recognition aspect.

a crucial notion

Highlights the critical importance of the idea.

a groundbreaking innovation

Focuses on the innovative and pioneering nature of the idea.

a vital concept

Underscores the essential nature of the idea.

an important theory

Specifically refers to a structured set of ideas explaining a phenomenon.

a major breakthrough

Highlights the sudden and significant advancement associated with the idea.

a profound thought

Emphasizes the depth and insightfulness of the idea.

a remarkable suggestion

Focuses on the unusual and noteworthy aspect of the proposed idea.

a consequential proposal

Highlights the potential far-reaching effects of the proposal.

a key insight

Focuses on the understanding gained through the idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant idea" to introduce an important concept, for example: "The scientist presented "a significant idea" that could revolutionize the field of medicine".

What are some alternatives to "a significant idea"?

Alternatives include "a noteworthy concept", "a crucial notion", or "a groundbreaking innovation", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a significant idea" or "an important idea"?

Both are correct, but "a significant idea" often implies a greater impact or departure from existing norms than "an important idea".

What makes an idea "significant"?

An idea is considered "significant" when it has the potential to create meaningful change, solve a major problem, or contribute substantially to a field of knowledge.