a wide idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wide idea" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning.
It could be interpreted as referring to a broad or expansive concept, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "The project aims to explore a wide idea of sustainability that encompasses various aspects of environmental, social, and economic factors."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Its repertory comes from Dr. Smith's first 10 years of making records, 1966 to 1976: advanced years of pre-hip-hop black pop, when a wide idea of jazz was merging with a wide idea of radio hits.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Ford added: "He had a wide idea of what good fiction was, and when I got involved with him, it seemed like a huge stroke of good luck".

The New York Times - Books

Only because of the scandal was I able to see a wide idea of the sensitive points and shape many of the details in the film based on them".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

There is also a wider idea here that's worth highlighting: by bringing in context sources to Evernote itself, it's also positioning Evernote as a place where people can not only create content, and store interesting things that they have collected elsewhere, but now also discover new content.

TechCrunch

There are days where I worry that the focus on confrontational direct action, arrests and civil disobedience seemingly for its own sake rather than as an articulation of a wider idea, has allowed us to forget it somewhat.

Huffington Post

But Mendieta still comes through as the alert, ambitious artist she was, one who absorbed and acted on a wide range ideas: aesthetic, ethnic, sexual, religious, political.

The New York Times - Arts

Pacifism includes a wide variety of ideas that can be gathered under the general idea that war and violence are morally wrong.

SEP

A wide range of ideas is in play.

The New York Times

But extremism is an all-purpose term applicable to a wide array of ideas.

Independent

In part because the Brotherhood never emphasized the theoretical side, it became home to a wide range of ideas.

The New Yorker

"Whatever people do for a living, they like to think of themselves as open to a wide range of ideas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a wide idea", ensure the context clearly indicates the breadth or scope of the idea being discussed. Consider using more common alternatives like "broad concept" or "comprehensive understanding" for greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "wide" to describe ideas. Instead, use adjectives that more precisely capture the specific quality you intend to convey, such as "innovative", "complex", or "foundational".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wide idea" functions as a noun phrase, with "wide" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "idea". The Ludwig AI indicates that it is not a common expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wide idea" is a grammatically correct but uncommon phrase used to describe a broad concept. As the Ludwig AI suggests, it's not a standard expression and might benefit from clearer alternatives like "broad concept" or "comprehensive understanding". The phrase appears mostly in news and media contexts. When writing, consider whether more precise adjectives could enhance the clarity of your message and avoid over-reliance on "wide". While understandable, using more common alternatives will likely improve communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad concept

Replaces "idea" with "concept" to emphasize the general nature of the thought.

an expansive notion

Substitutes "wide" with "expansive" to suggest a comprehensive and far-reaching thought.

a comprehensive understanding

Shifts the focus to understanding, implying a complete and thorough grasp of a subject.

a global perspective

Highlights a worldwide or all-encompassing viewpoint.

a holistic view

Emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of elements within the idea.

a sweeping generalization

Indicates an idea that covers a large range but may lack specific details.

an extensive outlook

Suggests a broad and detailed perspective on a particular subject.

a far-reaching concept

Emphasizes that the idea has significant and widespread implications.

a grand scheme

Suggests a large-scale and ambitious plan or idea.

an overarching theme

Highlights a central or dominant idea that underlies a larger work or discussion.

FAQs

What does "a wide idea" mean?

The phrase "a wide idea" generally refers to a broad or extensive concept. However, it is not a commonly used expression, and alternatives like "a broad concept" or "a comprehensive understanding" might be clearer.

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

While not frequently used, you could say something like, "The project aims to explore "a wide idea" of sustainability that encompasses various aspects of environmental, social, and economic factors."

What are some alternatives to "a wide idea"?

Alternatives include "a broad concept", "an expansive notion", or "a comprehensive understanding". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context and meaning you wish to convey.

Is "a wide idea" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a wide idea" is grammatically correct, but it is not a standard or frequently used expression. Using more common and precise alternatives can improve clarity and readability.