a wild notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wild notion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an idea or thought that is unconventional, unexpected, or fanciful. Example: "She had a wild notion that they could travel to the moon in a homemade rocket."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But that's why taking the watermelon and cooking with it is not such a wild notion.

The New York Times - Food

In 2010, with the Ward house disbanding as its denizens went off to start families, Mr. Augspurger came up with a wild notion: he and Ms. Joost could buy a small apartment building that they could share with friends but with a bathroom all to themselves.

The New York Times

It's a wild notion when you think about it.

Huffington Post

There's a wild notion gaining traction among medical marijuana advocates that the chemicals in weed have undiscovered cancer-fighting properties.

Vice

He found both tempting, and at one point "even had a wild notion of suggesting that I should write for both simultaneously".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

IN 1955 a clean-shaven young man in a spiffy suit came to New York with the wild notion of raising money to finance a revolution in his homeland, Cuba.

The New York Times

That wild notion is the basis of MIRAGE, a performance piece that uses a Substitutional Reality system (SR system), developed by neuroscientists at the Riken Research Institute in Japan.

Vice

Brrr! Wild notion: Wear saffron robe gift from California gang to church on Sunday nice ecumenical-inclusion symbol.

The New Yorker

Brrr! Wild notion: Wear saffron robe gift from California gang to church on Sunday — nice ecumenical-inclusion symbol.

The New Yorker

(It involves the wild notion that Muslim infiltrators positioned Abedin into her marriage to Weiner, or that Weiner himself is a secret Muslim, depending on the direction the wind is blowing that day).

Huffington Post

If nothing else though, the path the company has chosen is an interesting one, and in a sea of smartphone sameness you can't completely discount the value of a wild-eyed notion.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "a wild notion", be prepared to provide supporting evidence or reasoning, as the phrase inherently suggests a degree of incredulity or skepticism. This helps to legitimize the idea and encourage consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "a wild notion" in highly formal or professional documents where precision and objectivity are paramount. Opt for more neutral or descriptive language to maintain credibility and avoid undermining the seriousness of the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wild notion" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an idea or concept that is perceived as unconventional, eccentric, or improbable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wild notion" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe an unconventional or improbable idea. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and general usability. While not overly formal, it effectively introduces concepts that deviate from the norm and stimulates discussion. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, signifying its role in shaping narratives around innovative or challenging ideas. Alternatives include "an outlandish idea" or "a crazy idea", offering options for varied contexts. Understanding its usage helps writers to communicate unconventional concepts effectively while considering audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crazy idea

Emphasizes the unconventional and potentially reckless nature of the idea.

an unrealistic plan

Directly addresses the impracticality of the idea.

a fanciful thought

Suggests the idea is imaginative and playful, but perhaps not serious.

an outlandish idea

Focuses more on the strangeness and bizarreness of the idea.

an imaginative concept

Highlights the creative and inventive nature of the idea.

an absurd concept

Emphasizes the lack of reason or logic in the idea.

an eccentric proposition

Indicates the idea is quirky and unconventional, possibly stemming from an unusual perspective.

a visionary idea

Suggests the idea is forward-thinking and innovative, but potentially ahead of its time.

a far-fetched scheme

Highlights the improbability and unlikelihood of the idea succeeding.

a pipe dream

Implies the idea is unattainable and exists only in one's imagination.

FAQs

How can I use "a wild notion" in a sentence?

You can use "a wild notion" to introduce an unconventional idea. For example, "He had "a wild notion" to build a self-sustaining community on Mars."

What can I say instead of "a wild notion"?

You can use alternatives like "an outlandish idea", "a crazy idea", or "an unrealistic plan" depending on the context.

Is "a wild notion" formal or informal?

"A wild notion" tends to be more informal. In formal settings, consider alternatives like "an innovative concept" or "an unconventional proposal".

What's the difference between "a wild notion" and "a fanciful thought"?

"A wild notion" suggests an idea that is not only unconventional but potentially impractical or unrealistic. "A fanciful thought", on the other hand, implies an idea that is imaginative and playful but not necessarily intended to be taken seriously.