a small idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a concept or thought that is minor or not fully developed. Example: "She presented a small idea during the meeting that sparked a larger discussion among the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

His "Big Society" flagship is seen as a small idea.

Independent

So you can say they've created a long word for a small idea, true.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Any retailer can develop a good idea, especially a small idea with real character.

The New York Times

Not sure how we can fix this, but I have a small idea.

The Washington Post

"They started out with a small idea," he said, "and then it grew and it grew".

The New York Times - Arts

As King said: "What we now need to have is entrepreneurs, to have not just a small idea but a small idea that can scale: an acorn that can grow into an oak".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

And it sparked "Imagining Christ," a small, idea-packed exhibition of 22 medieval and Renaissance manuscripts and related objects at the Getty Center through July 27.

Los Angeles Times

If this seems to risky to carry around, keep a small "ideas notebook" and transcribe the thoughts from it back into your journal at a later time.

WikiHow

(Most writers keep a small ideas notebook and pen/pencil on them for if this happens while you're not at home).. Write in pencil.

WikiHow

The Stones' idea — to inhabit the modes and gestures of black American music — was a smaller idea attractively enacted.

The New Yorker

Maybe it's a big idea — a new mineral resources or a new clean energy system – or maybe it's a smaller idea that can be executed over and over again.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a small idea", focus on its potential for growth or scalability. Even seemingly minor concepts can evolve into significant innovations.

Common error

Don't dismiss "a small idea" prematurely. Innovative solutions often begin with simple concepts that are refined and expanded upon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small idea" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object within a sentence, referring to a concept or plan that is limited in scope or underdeveloped. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is generally considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small idea" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves to characterize a concept as limited in scope or initial development. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted and can be found in a variety of contexts. While often used neutrally, the phrase can also carry connotations of potential or insignificance. Its frequent presence in sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Forbes underscores its prevalence in both journalistic and academic discourse. Remember that while it refers to a simple thought, it has the potential to grow significantly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a simple concept

Substitutes 'small' with 'simple', highlighting the straightforward nature of the idea.

a modest concept

Replaces 'idea' with 'concept' and 'small' with 'modest', suggesting a limited scope.

a minor notion

Substitutes 'idea' with 'notion' and 'small' with 'minor', implying insignificance.

a limited thought

Replaces 'idea' with 'thought' and 'small' with 'limited', indicating a restriction in scope or depth.

an elementary thought

Replaces 'idea' with 'thought' and 'small' with 'elementary', indicating a basic level of complexity.

a basic plan

Replaces 'idea' with 'plan' and 'small' with 'basic', focusing on the fundamental nature of the idea.

an undeveloped notion

Highlights the lack of development or detail in the idea.

a preliminary suggestion

Emphasizes the initial and undeveloped nature of the idea.

a seed of an idea

Uses a metaphor to describe an idea in its initial, undeveloped stage.

a germinal concept

Focuses on the nascent, beginning stage of the idea's development.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small idea" to describe a concept that is limited in scope or potential, such as, "He started with "a small idea" for a local business and grew it into a national chain."

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

Alternatives include "a modest concept", "a minor notion", or "a simple concept", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to have "a small idea" or a big one?

The value of an idea depends on its execution and potential impact. "A small idea" that is well-executed can be more successful than a grand idea that is poorly implemented.

How can "a small idea" lead to something bigger?

"A small idea" can serve as a foundation for innovation. By iterating, refining, and expanding upon the initial concept, it can evolve into something much more substantial.