a worthwhile idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a worthwhile idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a concept or suggestion that has value or merit. Example: "After much consideration, we concluded that implementing a four-day workweek is a worthwhile idea that could improve employee satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Going right" on climate change is a worthwhile idea.

The Economist

I'd love it if you could point to a worthwhile idea or finding presented here (or elsewhere) by someone whose views on climate science and environmental policy generally clash with yours.

The New York Times

It's a worthwhile idea, but one result of paying above-market wages is that those in charge of hiring often demand bribes — sometimes a month's salary — in exchange for a job.

The New York Times

John C. Rother, the chief lobbyist at AARP, said Mr. Bush's initiative, though no substitute for Medicare drug benefits that the organization hopes to see enacted, was "a worthwhile idea" that would provide elderly people not only discounts but also more information on drug prices.

The New York Times

Follow Daniel Oberhaus on Thetter.

Vice

After reading the interview below, if you also agree that a Museum of Political Corruption sounds like a worthwhile idea, you can visit the museum's official website to offer your support and donations (they're also on Facebook).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"The government is ready to consider any worthwhile idea emerging out of the renegotiating committee for the settlement of the dispute," the energy minister, Suresh Prabhu, said on Thursday.

The New York Times

It seems like such a simple, worthwhile idea.

The New York Times

But congratulations nonetheless on a very worthwhile idea in these testing times.

The Guardian

Still, flagging the importance of serious financial discussions with your family is a most worthwhile idea, and, when combined with Mr. Vento's advice, will help keep you from becoming complacent about your money.

The New York Times

But in suggesting that expanding pre-K programs to a full school day, and making them more widely available, isn't a serious or worthwhile idea, Thompson went too far.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a worthwhile idea", provide concrete examples or evidence to support its value and potential impact. This adds credibility and encourages others to embrace the idea.

Common error

Avoid using hyperbolic language when describing "a worthwhile idea". Exaggerated claims can undermine your credibility and make the idea seem less genuine.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a worthwhile idea" functions as a noun phrase, where 'worthwhile' serves as an adjective modifying the noun 'idea'. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It generally acts as the subject or object of a sentence, expressing the quality of an idea.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a worthwhile idea" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase employed to describe a concept or suggestion possessing value or merit. Ludwig AI affirms this, and while its frequency is uncommon, it appears consistently across diverse contexts such as news, science, and business. Consider using alternatives like "a valuable concept" or "a beneficial suggestion" to vary your writing. When presenting "a worthwhile idea", provide concrete examples to bolster its credibility and avoid hyperbolic language that could undermine its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valuable concept

Emphasizes the inherent monetary or practical value of the idea.

a beneficial suggestion

Highlights the positive outcome or advantage resulting from the suggestion.

a promising approach

Focuses on the potential and likelihood of success that the idea offers.

a commendable plan

Highlights the praiseworthy and admirable nature of the plan.

a sound proposal

Stresses the logic and well-reasoned nature of the proposal.

a practical solution

Highlights the feasibility and ease of implementation of the solution.

a constructive recommendation

Emphasizes the helpful and improvement-oriented nature of the recommendation.

an insightful thought

Highlights the depth and understanding conveyed by the thought.

a judicious decision

Emphasizes the careful and wise nature of the decision.

a strategic move

Highlights the forward-thinking and goal-oriented nature of the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a worthwhile idea" to describe a concept or suggestion that is valuable or beneficial. For example, "Implementing flexible working hours is "a worthwhile idea" that could improve employee morale".

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

Alternatives include "a valuable concept", "a beneficial suggestion", or "a promising approach", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a worthwhile idea" or "a worthy idea"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a worthwhile idea" is more commonly used and suggests that the idea has practical value or merit. "Worthy" implies that the idea deserves respect or admiration. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What makes an idea "worthwhile"?

An idea is "worthwhile" if it offers benefits, solves a problem, or contributes positively to a situation. It implies that the idea is valuable and deserving of attention and effort.