a true idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a true idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, beliefs, or thoughts that are considered accurate or valid. Example: "In philosophy, a true idea is often seen as one that aligns with reality and can be substantiated by evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

This is a true idea.

Yale University

In their place, he outlined "a true idea of a Dictionary".

The Guardian

Only the "new nation," as Aristides called the Christians, has a true idea of God, who creates all things through his Son and the Holy Spirit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The havoc wrought by the Japanese artillery and airplane bombardments at Chapei gives a true idea of the plight of non-combatants in the Shanghai area.

The New York Times

The conceit that one must choose facts or beauty — even if it's beauty in the name of "Truth" or a true "idea" — is preposterous.

The New Yorker

Thanks to the map, the artist wrote, "we have a true idea of our position, and not as the rest of the world wishes".

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Then hopefully in the near future, perhaps this Congress, perhaps next Congress, the caucus can become a true ideas factory where we proffer good policy solutions for the environment, for rising sea levels, for climate change-related challenges.

Yale University

In a piece called, "A Plainly True Idea," Sullivan says "When an American sides with a foreign government against his own president in a foreign country, what does one call that?

HuffPost

And yes, it's a good and true idea.

The Guardian - Books

This statement captures an important (and true) idea, namely, that nonequilibrium systems, such as those found in living organisms, are open in terms of energy.

CBE Life Sciences Education

It is they, not the technocrats – who understand nothing but measurable outcomes – who are standing up for the true idea of a university.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a true idea", ensure that the context provides sufficient evidence or reasoning to support its validity. Avoid using it loosely without proper substantiation.

Common error

Avoid presenting an idea as "a true idea" if it's still a hypothesis or lacks sufficient evidence. Using the phrase prematurely can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a true idea" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a concept, belief, or thought that is considered accurate and valid. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a true idea" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a concept, belief, or thought that is considered accurate and valid. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for use in written English across various contexts. While it appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic settings, it maintains a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, ensure adequate evidence supports the idea's validity to maintain credibility. Alternatives include "an accurate concept" or "a valid notion". Be cautious not to overstate an idea's truth prematurely if it lacks sufficient backing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an accurate concept

Focuses on the correctness and precision of the concept.

a valid notion

Emphasizes the legitimacy and well-founded nature of the notion.

a genuine insight

Highlights the authenticity and depth of understanding.

an authentic understanding

Stresses the real and unfiltered nature of the understanding.

a correct belief

Focuses on the veracity of the belief.

a factual premise

Indicates a premise grounded in facts.

a sound principle

Highlights the robustness and reliability of the principle.

a veracious claim

Emphasizes the truthfulness of the claim.

a realistic assessment

Stresses the practicality and alignment with reality of the assessment.

a well-founded theory

Indicates a theory that is supported by evidence and reasoning.

FAQs

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

You can use "a true idea" to describe concepts that align with reality and can be substantiated by evidence. For example, "In science, reproducibility is considered "a true idea" for validating experimental results".

What phrases are similar to "a true idea"?

Alternatives to "a true idea" include "an accurate concept", "a valid notion", or "a genuine insight", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "true idea" or "accurate idea"?

Both "true idea" and "accurate idea" can be appropriate. "True idea" emphasizes the correctness and validity of the idea, while "accurate idea" focuses on its precision and alignment with facts. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What makes "a true idea" different from a hypothesis?

"A true idea" suggests a concept that is already supported by evidence or reasoning, while a hypothesis is a proposed explanation that requires further testing and validation. A hypothesis becomes "a true idea" once it has been rigorously tested and confirmed.