an elementary idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an elementary idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a basic or fundamental concept that is easy to understand. Example: "The concept of gravity is an elementary idea that even children can grasp."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

So if you think you've come up with an elementary idea, remember that anything is possible.

The New York Times

The proof of the main results is variational and relies on an elementary idea entailing mountain-pass arguments.

Boundary Value Problems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Covenant, however, as Milsom has said, represents "an elementary legal idea... familiar to the modem mind". To the medieval lawyer the word covenant (Latin, conventio) meant agreement.

Harvard University

So, the mentioned elementary idea is valid on the following discussion.

Mathematical Sciences

The construction of concepts on the basis of a collection of elementary ideas based in sensorial experience opens the gate to a reconstruction of knowledge as an extensive property of an agent: more ideas implies more probable knowledge.

SEP

He uses the expression cultural literacy to refer to fluency with the kinds of words, facts, expressions and elementary ideas taken for granted in the culture.

The New York Times

In this unit of curriculum we will try to improve the students' understanding of the elementary ideas included in probability theory.

Yale University

Adding adaptation to neuronal dynamics is an elementary way to implement this idea.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

I had no idea that in 2001 an elementary school in New Jersey became America's first public school "to sell naming rights to a corporate sponsor," Sandel writes.

The New York Times

To explain the general idea behind equivalence theory, we first have to introduce the concept of an elementary design, which is a (hypothetical) design with all measurements at the same dose level.

Archives of Toxicology

Or are they served best by being kept in an elementary school where they're protected a little longer from some of these pernicious ideas about their bodies?

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an elementary idea", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to a basic concept that is easy to grasp. Avoid using it when discussing advanced or complex theories.

Common error

While "an elementary idea" is generally acceptable, overuse in academic or professional writing can make your analysis seem simplistic. Consider using more nuanced alternatives like "fundamental principle" or "basic tenet" for greater precision and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an elementary idea" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a concept that is basic and easy to comprehend. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an elementary idea" is a grammatically sound and usable English phrase that refers to a basic, easily understood concept. While infrequent, its versatility is reflected in its presence across diverse fields such as science, news, and academia, as Ludwig illustrates. When aiming for precision or higher formality, alternatives like "a fundamental principle" or "a basic notion" can offer increased nuance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is a valid part of the English lexicon, useful when simplicity and clarity are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a simple concept

Replaces "elementary" with "simple", emphasizing ease of understanding.

a basic notion

Uses "basic" instead of "elementary", highlighting the foundational nature of the idea.

a fundamental principle

Substitutes "idea" with "principle", suggesting a guiding concept.

a rudimentary concept

Replaces "elementary" with "rudimentary", stressing the initial stage of development.

a straightforward idea

Emphasizes the clarity and lack of complexity of the idea.

an uncomplicated concept

Highlights the lack of complexity of the idea.

a clear-cut concept

Stresses the distinctness and unambiguity of the idea.

a plain idea

Uses "plain" to underscore the simplicity and lack of ornamentation of the idea.

an accessible concept

Focuses on the ease with which the idea can be understood.

a primary concept

Highlights the foundational nature of the idea, as a starting point for further learning.

FAQs

How can I use "an elementary idea" in a sentence?

You can use "an elementary idea" to refer to a basic or easily understood concept. For example, "The concept of supply and demand is "an elementary idea" in economics".

What are some alternatives to "an elementary idea"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a simple concept", "a basic notion", or "a fundamental principle".

Is it appropriate to use "an elementary idea" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, using "an elementary idea" may come across as simplistic in advanced academic writing. Consider more sophisticated terms like "foundational concept" or "fundamental tenet" in such contexts.

What's the difference between "an elementary idea" and "a complex idea"?

"An elementary idea" refers to a basic, easily understood concept, while "a complex idea" refers to a concept with many interconnected parts that is difficult to fully understand. The former is simple; the latter is intricate.