a useful idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a useful idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an idea that has practical value or can be beneficial in a certain context. Example: "After discussing various strategies, we concluded that implementing a feedback system was a useful idea for improving team communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

And like many of our over 600 co-participants in this year's competition, we saw that the professional coaching and expert feedback could also help us to overcome the obstacles along the thorny way from a useful idea to a running business.

Science Magazine

This is a useful idea.

The Economist

Absolutely; someone, at some point, will have a useful idea.

The Guardian - Opinion

Someone who comes up with a useful idea should expect a bonus, not a pink slip.

The New York Times - Magazine

The moratorium gambit is such a useful idea that it's showing up elsewhere in the political sphere.

The New York Times - Magazine

You either think Mr Rupert Murdoch may have had a useful idea for his Times – or you excoriate him as per usual.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Hopefully, you will write yourself towards a useful thought or idea through freewriting.

WikiHow

A new, useful idea that includes a step - a new process, improvement or concept - which would not be obvious to a skilled person in that field.

BBC

A more useful idea is a toughening of checks and balances for bosses.

The Economist

What's the backstory?" The temptation is to quote David Mamet on backstory, which he calls "a very useful idea because it allows a lot of unemployable people to earn their living saying things to writers".

The New York Times

But even a potentially useful idea like the creation of a carbon-permit market to fight global warming is already being dismissed as Wall Street's "next big scam".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a useful idea", clearly articulate its benefits and practical applications to ensure your audience understands its value.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling an idea as "a useful idea" without providing specific examples or explaining how it can be applied in a practical context. Always substantiate the claim with evidence or clear explanations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a useful idea" functions as a noun phrase, where 'useful' modifies the noun 'idea'. It describes a concept or suggestion that has practical value or serves a beneficial purpose. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science & Research

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a useful idea" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase, as Ludwig AI confirms. It serves to highlight the practical value of a concept across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral, its impact is maximized when the specific benefits are clearly articulated. Alternatives include "a valuable concept" and "a practical notion", offering subtle shifts in emphasis. Remember to substantiate claims of usefulness with concrete examples to enhance credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valuable concept

Replaces 'useful' with 'valuable', emphasizing the worth or importance of the idea.

a beneficial concept

Swaps 'useful' with 'beneficial', highlighting the positive impact of the idea.

a helpful suggestion

Substitutes 'idea' with 'suggestion' and 'useful' with 'helpful', indicating a practical recommendation.

a practical notion

Replaces 'useful' with 'practical' and 'idea' with 'notion', focusing on the feasibility of the idea.

a worthwhile thought

Changes 'useful' to 'worthwhile' and 'idea' to 'thought', stressing the value of considering the idea.

a relevant consideration

Substitutes 'idea' with 'consideration' and 'useful' with 'relevant', emphasizing the importance of the idea in a particular context.

a constructive plan

Replaces 'idea' with 'plan' and 'useful' with 'constructive', suggesting a positive and actionable proposal.

an advantageous approach

Replaces 'useful' with 'advantageous' and 'idea' with 'approach', highlighting the benefits of using the idea as a method.

a productive strategy

Changes 'useful' to 'productive' and 'idea' to 'strategy', focusing on the effectiveness of the idea in achieving a goal.

an effective solution

Replaces 'useful' with 'effective' and 'idea' with 'solution', suggesting that the idea can solve a problem.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "a useful idea" into my writing?

You can incorporate "a useful idea" by presenting a concept that offers practical solutions or valuable insights, ensuring you clearly articulate its benefits and applications.

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

You can use alternatives like "a valuable concept", "a helpful suggestion", or "a practical notion", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to describe an idea as "a useful idea"?

While 'idea' inherently implies a thought or concept, specifying it as "a useful idea" emphasizes its practicality and potential benefits, making it less redundant than it might seem.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a useful idea" in formal writing?

It's appropriate to use "a useful idea" in formal writing when you want to highlight the practical value or benefit of a concept, suggestion, or plan. Just ensure you provide sufficient context to support your assertion.