a slim idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slim idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an idea that is not fully developed or lacks substance. Example: "While the proposal was interesting, it was ultimately just a slim idea that needed more research and detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I had a slim idea of what a wind turbine did," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Few planes landed at the casino-like airport, which was staffed by officials with a very slim idea of how to do their jobs — a characteristic common to officials in most dictatorships, where fear of retribution inspires indecision and incompetence.

The New Yorker

I came to Cornish with a very slim idea of what kind of art I wanted to make.

Huffington Post

I've admitted there's a slim chance that ideas coming from others could be valuable as well".

The New York Times

The basic idea was a slim skirt and a shirt (in lace, say, or washed silk polka dots) or a knock-around sweater.

The New York Times

Mr. Wu's main idea was a slim coat, with baroque lace down the outside of the sleeves, with high-waist trousers and ascot shirts.

The New York Times

So the idea that a slim, sober-­minded book could succeed, where a rash of sensational shootings have failed, at putting gun control on the political front burner might seem naïve, if not delusional.

The New York Times - Books

I have no idea if a slim majority is enough to persuade airlines to keep the ban.

TechCrunch

A slim book filled with philosophical ideas and theological inquiry, it's a lovely one to read to younger children.

Independent

I was enthralled by Stephen Grosz's profound and moving The Examined Life (Chatto & Windus), which packed large ideas into a slim volume, while Robert Brownell's huge tome, Marriage of Inconvenience (Pallas Athene), weighed in with an enjoyably obsessive re-examination of the marriage of Effie and John Ruskin and the pubic hair question.

The Guardian - Books

Here are the scenarios where it makes sense to drop close to $2,000 (or more) on one: a) if you're a gamer who wants your PC to always be with you; b) if you need high processing power in general in a slim frame; or c) if the idea of a single laptop powering your whole setup sounds exciting, Core graphics dock and all.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slim idea", ensure the context clarifies why the idea is considered 'slim' – whether due to lack of detail, feasibility, or support.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a slim idea" as a fully-fledged plan. Clearly acknowledge its preliminary nature to manage expectations and encourage further development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slim idea" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "slim" modifies the noun "idea". It typically serves to describe the quality or state of an idea, indicating its lack of substance or development, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slim idea" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a concept lacking in substance or development. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. While its frequency is rare, it appears primarily in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "a vague notion" or "a tenuous concept" can offer similar meanings with subtle shifts in emphasis. When employing "a slim idea", ensure the context makes clear the reasons for its perceived 'slimness' and manage expectations accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vague notion

Replaces "slim" with "vague", suggesting a lack of clarity or definition.

a tenuous concept

Substitutes "slim" with "tenuous", implying a weak or uncertain foundation.

a faint concept

Replaces "slim" with "faint", indicating a weak or indistinct understanding.

a sketchy concept

Substitutes "slim" with "sketchy", suggesting a preliminary or underdeveloped nature.

a rough idea

Replaces "slim" with "rough", implying a general or imprecise understanding.

an undeveloped concept

Replaces "slim idea" with a more descriptive phrase indicating lack of development.

a rudimentary notion

Substitutes "slim" with "rudimentary", suggesting a basic or elementary understanding.

a basic concept

Replaces "slim" with "basic", implying a fundamental or introductory understanding.

a general idea

Replaces "slim" with "general", indicating a broad or non-specific understanding.

a superficial concept

Substitutes "slim" with "superficial", suggesting a shallow or incomplete understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slim idea" to describe a concept that is not fully developed or lacks substance. For example: "While the proposal was interesting, it was ultimately just a slim idea that needed more research and detail."

What can I say instead of "a slim idea"?

You can use alternatives like "a vague notion", "a tenuous concept", or "a sketchy concept" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "a slim idea" in formal writing?

Yes, "a slim idea" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider using more precise language if the context demands it. Alternatives like "an undeveloped concept" or "a preliminary notion" might be more suitable.

What does it mean to have "a slim idea"?

To have "a slim idea" means to have a concept or notion that is not fully formed, lacks detail, or is weakly supported. It suggests that the idea requires further development and refinement.