a unique idea

USAGE SUMMARY

'a unique idea' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an idea that is distinct and different from others. Example sentence: He came up with a unique idea to help the company increase profits.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

It's a unique idea.

The New York Times

It is not a unique idea.

The New York Times

This was hardly a unique idea.

The New York Times

SAS actually prefers to ship software that isn't full of bugs -- what a unique idea!

The New York Times - Magazine

They think in terms of a group, they have a unique idea for the sound of a group.

The New Yorker

It's that many economists have a unique idea of what signal to listen to and what priority it deserves.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

It's not a totally unique idea — there's a startup in the U.S. called PeerSpace doing the same thing — but Spacemarket is looking specifically at the Japanese market.

TechCrunch

Shoot for those who have around the same fan base as you, unless you have a really unique idea that you think a well-known vlogger might want to appear in.

Huffington Post

A good poem is one that communicates a strange, unique idea that would have been impossible to write out in prose.

WikiHow

Hiring a patent attorney is recommended to ensure you have a truly unique idea and don't run into trouble later.

WikiHow

It was with Matched, then Slated and so many others that the first book is such a fresh, unique idea, and you read the second book and it's a bit like, Oh.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a unique idea", clearly articulate its novelty and benefits to distinguish it from existing concepts.

Common error

Avoid claiming an idea is "a unique idea" without thoroughly researching existing solutions. Ensure your concept offers genuine differentiation to prevent credibility issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a unique idea" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "unique" modifies the noun "idea". It is used to describe a concept that is original and distinct from others, as Ludwig AI indicates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a unique idea" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe an original concept. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. As highlighted by Ludwig examples from sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Forbes, it appears frequently in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the idea is genuinely novel to avoid overstatement. Alternatives like "an original concept" or "a novel approach" can add variety to your writing. Understanding its function and usage patterns enhances effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an original concept

Emphasizes the novelty and non-derivative nature of the idea.

a novel approach

Highlights the newness and innovative quality of the method or strategy.

a distinctive notion

Focuses on the idea's characteristic and easily recognizable nature.

an unconventional plan

Stresses the departure from typical or traditional methods.

an innovative thought

Highlights the creative and inventive aspect of the idea.

a groundbreaking scheme

Emphasizes the revolutionary and impactful potential of the plan.

a fresh perspective

Indicates a new and different way of looking at something.

a singular vision

Focuses on the unique and individual nature of the overall concept.

an unprecedented strategy

Highlights that the strategy has never occurred, been done, or been known before.

a one-of-a-kind proposal

Stresses the uniqueness and exclusivity of the suggested plan.

FAQs

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

You can use "a unique idea" to describe something original. For example, "She presented "a unique idea" for improving customer service."

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

Alternatives include "an original concept", "a novel approach", or "a distinctive notion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very unique idea"?

Yes, "unique" inherently means one-of-a-kind, so adding "very" is redundant. Stick to "a unique idea" or use alternatives like "an exceptional concept" for emphasis.

What's the difference between "a unique idea" and "a simple idea"?

"A unique idea" emphasizes originality and distinctiveness, whereas "a simple idea" focuses on ease of understanding and implementation. A unique idea may or may not be simple, and vice versa.