a splendid idea

USAGE SUMMARY

'a splendid idea' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that you think is particularly good, original, or effective. For example, "She had a splendid idea for solving the problem – let’s try it!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

A splendid idea.

Independent

It is, in concept, a splendid idea.

The New York Times

I have a splendid idea!

The New Yorker

This is a splendid idea.

The New York Times

I still think it was a splendid idea.

The New Yorker

She thought Mormonism's ban on alcohol a splendid idea.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

The east was Egypt, a place at the very limit of the European imagination, scarcely a career, more like aholiday, a glorious idea, a splendid cultural fantasy.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Dyckman's plan to give American young people the choice of serving the nation through the military draft or a national service program is a splendid, outstanding idea.

The New York Times

This cannot have been easy because Chiang's story, though containing a splendid central idea, is a cool, scientific, even philosophical exploration of the nature of language and does completely without many of the plot specifics that make "Arrival" involving.

Los Angeles Times

Another time, someone conceived the splendid idea that we should go on a three-week trek.

The Guardian - Arts

Splendid idea – if the only people you know are fellow Googlers.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a splendid idea" to express strong approval or enthusiasm for a concept or plan. It conveys a sense of admiration and can add a touch of formality to your writing.

Common error

While "a splendid idea" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a great idea" or "a good idea" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a splendid idea" functions primarily as a subject complement or predicate nominative. It typically follows a linking verb (such as 'is' or 'seems') and renames or describes the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a splendid idea" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to express strong approval and enthusiasm, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is suitable for various contexts, with particular prevalence in news, media, academic and science sources. While more formal than alternatives like "a great idea" or "a good idea", its use remains appropriate across diverse settings. The phrase functions as a subject complement, serving to underscore the positive qualities of the idea. When using "a splendid idea", consider the audience and tone, opting for simpler alternatives in more casual environments. This phrase carries a nuance of refinement while still conveying its meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delightful idea

Replaces "splendid" with "delightful", suggesting a lighter, more pleasing notion.

a wonderful idea

Substitutes "splendid" with "wonderful", indicating a feeling of admiration and pleasure.

an excellent idea

Replaces "splendid" with "excellent", focusing on the high quality and merit of the idea.

a brilliant idea

Substitutes "splendid" with "brilliant", highlighting the intelligence and ingenuity behind the idea.

a fantastic idea

Replaces "splendid" with "fantastic", conveying enthusiasm and excitement about the idea.

a great idea

Uses "great" instead of "splendid", offering a more common and less formal expression of approval.

a marvelous idea

Substitutes "splendid" with "marvelous", expressing a sense of wonder and admiration.

a superb idea

Replaces "splendid" with "superb", indicating an idea of outstanding quality and excellence.

a top-notch idea

Uses "top-notch" instead of "splendid", suggesting the idea is of the highest standard.

a first-rate idea

Replaces "splendid" with "first-rate", implying the idea is of exceptional quality and value.

FAQs

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

You can use "a splendid idea" to express enthusiastic agreement or strong approval of a plan, suggestion, or concept. For example, "Implementing renewable energy sources is "a splendid idea" that will benefit future generations".

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a great idea", "an excellent idea", "a brilliant idea", or "a wonderful idea" to convey a similar sentiment.

Is "a splendid idea" too formal for everyday conversation?

While "a splendid idea" is more formal than some alternatives, it's perfectly acceptable in many conversational settings. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of the conversation. In very casual settings, "a good idea" or "a great idea" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a splendid idea" and "a good idea"?

The phrase "a splendid idea" conveys a stronger sense of enthusiasm and admiration than "a good idea". While both phrases express approval, "a splendid idea" suggests the idea is particularly impressive or ingenious.