a solid idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a solid idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that an idea is strong, well-thought-out, or practical. Example: "After discussing the project, I believe we have a solid idea that can lead to success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Tires aside, the XFE is a solid idea, solidly executed.

The New York Times

It certainly sounds dull enough to be a solid idea for a Web site.

The New Yorker

That the company is run by a man named Charnoble should give the reader a solid idea of what, exactly, it offers counsel regarding.

The New York Times - Books

None of the residents had a simple past, a stable present, or a solid idea of what the immediate or long-term future might bring.

The New Yorker

"It has to be a solid idea -- none of the goofy dot-com thinking that you see in California and New York".

The New York Times

When you pick one of W's 19 hotels (including 4 not yet open), the home page offers an easy-to-use slide show of the rooms, bars and other amenities, so you have a solid idea of what you're getting into for the price of a month's groceries.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Alice.com could have the recipe for success for a startup-a solid idea, competitive pricing and experience.

TechCrunch

In an ideal scenario, an entrepreneur with a computer, a connection to the Internet, a good, solid idea, and a credit card should be able to create a new Internet service and launch it automatically in any data center in the Internet cloud.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

In an ideal scenario, an entrepreneur with a computer, a connection to the Internet, a good solid idea, and a credit card should be able to create a new Internet service and execute it automatically in any data center on the Internet.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

The StikBox is actually a pretty solid idea that seems to work fairly well.

TechCrunch

Meanwhile, Apple is looking for advice from counsel before agreeing to hand over the source code, which is a pretty solid idea.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a solid idea", provide supporting evidence or reasoning to enhance its credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting an idea as "a solid idea" without thoroughly evaluating its potential weaknesses or drawbacks. Acknowledge limitations to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a solid idea" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "solid" modifies the noun "idea". It describes the quality or characteristic of the idea, indicating its strength and reliability. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

15%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a solid idea" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a concept that is well-developed, reliable, and likely to succeed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used in news and media, as well as in scientific and general contexts. To enhance the impact of the phrase, consider providing supporting evidence or reasoning. Be careful not to overstate the solidity without acknowledging potential weaknesses. Alternative phrases like "a well-founded concept" or "a sound strategy" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a well-founded concept

Emphasizes the concept's basis in evidence or reasoning.

a sound strategy

Emphasizes the strategy's good judgment and effectiveness.

a robust plan

Highlights the plan's strength and resilience.

a viable proposal

Focuses on the proposal's practicality and feasibility.

a credible concept

Stresses the concept's believability and trustworthiness.

a dependable scheme

Stresses the scheme's reliability and trustworthiness.

a practical suggestion

Highlights the suggestion's usefulness and ease of implementation.

a promising approach

Focuses on the approach's potential for success.

a reliable plan

Emphasizes the plan's dependability.

a worthwhile notion

Highlights the idea's value and merit.

FAQs

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

You can use "a solid idea" to describe a well-thought-out or promising concept, as in, "The team presented "a solid idea" for improving efficiency."

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

Alternatives to "a solid idea" include "a well-founded concept", "a sound strategy", or "a viable proposal", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a solid idea" or "a good idea"?

"A solid idea" suggests a more thoroughly developed and reliable concept than "a good idea", which can be more general or preliminary. Use "a solid idea" when you want to emphasize the strength and potential of the concept.

What makes an idea qualify as "a solid idea"?

An idea qualifies as "a solid idea" when it is well-researched, logically sound, and has a high probability of success. Factors such as feasibility, practicality, and potential impact contribute to its solidity.