an extraordinary idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extraordinary idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a concept or thought that is remarkable or exceptional in some way. Example: "The team presented an extraordinary idea that could revolutionize the way we approach renewable energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

That's an extraordinary idea.

MIT Technology Review

This was an extraordinary idea at the time.

The New York Times

It was an extraordinary idea: that catastrophe might be fair.

The New York Times

It makes me sad because we're making a joke out of an extraordinary idea: the constitution.

The Guardian

Horowitz said he was thrilled by the casting of Berkoff and called it an "extraordinary idea".

The Guardian

It's an extraordinary idea: even as China hurtles into capitalism, it does still show remnants of old socialist ideals.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It just seemed a really extraordinary idea.

BBC

At the end of the nineteen-fifties, Giacinto Scelsi, a self-taught Italian composer and erstwhile playboy count who had dabbled in Eastern religions and Theosophy, had the extraordinary idea of writing an entire work — the "Four Pieces" for chamber orchestra — that consisted of only single tones, one for each movement.

The New Yorker

Exercise in the office isn't an extraordinary new idea.

Forbes

This extraordinary idea has been adopted by a growing group of world-ranking physicists who believe that soon spaceships could be designed to run on energy extracted from empty space - enabling them to fly for centuries without fuel.

The Guardian

The extraordinary idea, aimed at raising the cash-strapped club £20,000, was revealed in the local newspaper.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an extraordinary idea" to introduce a concept that significantly deviates from the norm and holds potential for remarkable outcomes. For example, "The scientist proposed "an extraordinary idea" for harnessing energy from black holes."

Common error

Avoid using "an extraordinary idea" for commonplace suggestions. Reserve it for genuinely innovative and potentially transformative concepts to maintain its impact. For example, don't say: "He had "an extraordinary idea" to order pizza for the meeting."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extraordinary idea" functions as a noun phrase, with "extraordinary" serving as a descriptive adjective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it introduces concepts that are remarkable or exceptional. The adjective modifies the noun "idea", adding emphasis to its uniqueness and significance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

8%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extraordinary idea" is a noun phrase used to describe a concept that is remarkably innovative or exceptional. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. Its frequency is common, and its usage signals the outstanding potential or originality of the idea being described. To ensure proper usage, reserve this phrase for genuinely groundbreaking concepts, avoiding overuse for commonplace suggestions. Consider alternatives such as "a remarkable concept" or "an exceptional notion" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remarkable concept

Replaces "extraordinary" with "remarkable", emphasizing the noteworthiness of the idea.

an exceptional notion

Substitutes "extraordinary" with "exceptional" and "idea" with "notion", highlighting the unusual quality of the idea.

a ground-breaking concept

Replaces "extraordinary" with "ground-breaking", stressing the innovative nature of the idea.

an ingenious plan

Replaces "idea" with "plan", suggesting the idea is well-designed and clever.

a brilliant thought

Uses "brilliant" to amplify the positive aspect of the idea as being very intelligent.

a novel approach

Highlights the new and original quality of the idea.

an unprecedented scheme

Emphasizes that the idea is new and has never happened or been done before.

a visionary concept

Presents the idea as forward-thinking and imaginative.

a transformative plan

Focuses on the idea's potential to create significant change.

an inspired thought

Suggests the idea came from a burst of creativity or intuition.

FAQs

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

Use "an extraordinary idea" to describe a concept or thought that is remarkably innovative or exceptional. For instance, "The entrepreneur's "an extraordinary idea" could revolutionize the industry."

What are some alternatives to "an extraordinary idea"?

You can use alternatives such as "a remarkable concept", "an exceptional notion", or "a ground-breaking concept" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "an extraordinary idea" in formal writing?

Yes, "an extraordinary idea" is suitable for formal writing when describing genuinely innovative or exceptional concepts. Make sure the context warrants such a strong descriptor.

What's the difference between "an extraordinary idea" and "a good idea"?

"An extraordinary idea" implies a level of innovation and potential impact that goes beyond simply being "a good idea". It suggests the idea is groundbreaking and exceptional in its field.