a vivid imagination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vivid imagination" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has a very active imagination, or who tends to think of creative and interesting ideas that may be more "unrealistic" than those of the average person. For example, you could say: "Jimmy has a vivid imagination; he came up with the most unique solution to our problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Dutch illustrator is creating realistic 3D renderings of snakes, birds and bridges using a pencil, paper and what we imagine is a vivid imagination.

Huffington Post

Preferably, you'll want someone with a vivid imagination, more vivid than imaginative, actually.

WikiHow

Timothy Leary certainly had a vivid imagination, but even he might not have imagined that his ideas would one day be used as the conceptual framework for an exhibition created from a clickbait-style quiz.

Vice

I had a vivid imagination.

The New Yorker

A vivid imagination helps.

The New York Times - Arts

Also, it helps have a vivid imagination.

The Guardian

Behind "Jinx" is a writer with a vivid imagination.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Rosenblum has technique and a vivid imagination.

The New York Times - Arts

WHISTLER, British Columbia — Dean Nelson has a vivid imagination.

The New York Times - Sports

He has a vivid imagination and talks about the Devil a lot.

The New Yorker

Mr. Brown has a streamlined but powerful technique and a vivid imagination.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's creativity or inventiveness, use "a vivid imagination" to convey the richness and detail of their mental imagery. For example, "The author's ability to create compelling worlds stems from their possession of "a vivid imagination".

Common error

Avoid simply labeling someone "imaginative" when you want to emphasize the depth and intensity of their imaginative capacity. Instead, use "a vivid imagination" to highlight the richness and detail of their mental landscapes. For instance, rather than stating "The child is imaginative", say "The child has "a vivid imagination", creating elaborate stories with intricate characters and settings".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vivid imagination" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb (e.g., 'has a vivid imagination') or as a complement describing a person or character. Ludwig AI identifies it as a valid and common phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vivid imagination" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase in the English language. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the capacity for intense and detailed mental imagery and creative thought. The phrase finds frequent usage in News & Media, encyclopedias and wiki, signifying its relevance across various domains. While "a vivid imagination" carries a neutral tone, it effectively highlights the depth and richness of someone's imaginative capabilities. When employing this phrase, avoid the common mistake of using simply "imaginative" without emphasizing the degree and intensity. Explore alternatives like "a colorful imagination" or "a brilliant imagination" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brilliant imagination

Highlights the exceptional quality and intelligence of the imagination.

a stunning imagination

Focuses on the impressive and remarkable nature of the imagination.

a colourful imagination

Emphasizes the richness and variety of imaginative thought.

a vibrant imagination

Highlights the lively and dynamic qualities of the imagination.

a vigorous imagination

Suggests an active and energetic imagination.

a bright imagination

Suggests intelligence and clarity in imaginative thinking.

a strong imagination

Emphasizes the power and capability of the imagination.

a vivid vision

Focuses on the clarity and intensity of mental imagery, rather than the creative aspect.

a deep imagination

Implies profound and insightful imaginative capabilities.

a vivid fantasy

Implies a detailed and elaborate imagined scenario, often detached from reality.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with "a vivid imagination"?

You can describe someone with "a vivid imagination" as creative, inventive, imaginative, or visionary. Consider using phrases like "They possess "a brilliant imagination"" or "They have "a colorful imagination"" to convey similar meanings.

What does it mean to have "a vivid imagination"?

Having "a vivid imagination" means possessing the ability to form exceptionally clear, detailed, and intense mental images or concepts. It implies a rich inner world and a propensity for creative thought.

How can "a vivid imagination" be useful?

"A vivid imagination" can be useful in various fields such as writing, art, problem-solving, and innovation. It allows individuals to generate novel ideas, empathize with others, and approach challenges from unique perspectives.

Is there a difference between "a strong imagination" and "a vivid imagination"?

While both phrases refer to imaginative capabilities, "a strong imagination" emphasizes the power and capability of the imagination, whereas "a vivid imagination" focuses on the clarity and intensity of the mental imagery. You may use "a strong imagination" in more general contexts, while "a vivid imagination" when you want to emphasize how detailed and intense someone's mental imagery is.