an idea from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an idea from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when attributing a concept or thought to a specific source or origin. Example: "The author presents an idea from ancient philosophy that challenges modern beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was an idea from the twenties.

The New Yorker

Contagion is an idea from social psychology.

Harvard Business Review

The researchers adapted an idea from, of all places, Hollywood.

Harvard University

Yes, there's even an idea from a Muppet.

Harvard University

It was not an idea from his staff, he said.

The New Yorker

You get an idea from the application pack.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Where he got such an idea from, heaven only knows.

The Guardian - Sport

· Borrow an idea from a neighbour of mine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When we copy an idea from an outsider, we're seen as enterprising; when we borrow an idea from a colleague, we mark that person as an intellectual leader.

Harvard Business Review

Addresses the progression of an idea, from inception to opportunity to sustainable business.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Implement an idea from a research paper, e.g., ACM SIGGRAPH, or Symposium on Computer Animation (SCA).

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an idea from", ensure the source is clearly identified and credible to lend authority to your statement. This enhances the persuasiveness and reliability of your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "an idea from" without specifying the source. Ambiguous attribution weakens your argument and can lead to accusations of plagiarism. Always provide specific names or publications to support your claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an idea from" serves as an attribution phrase, indicating the origin or source of a particular concept or thought. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to introduce ideas derived from specific individuals, texts, or fields of study.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

28%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an idea from" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that effectively attributes concepts to their sources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is particularly prevalent in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly specify the source to bolster credibility and avoid plagiarism. Remember to select alternative phrases carefully to best convey the intended nuance. By following these guidelines, you can confidently use "an idea from" to enhance your writing and properly acknowledge intellectual contributions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a concept originating from

Emphasizes the origin of the concept.

a notion derived from

Focuses on the derivation or extraction of the idea.

an inspiration drawn from

Highlights the inspirational aspect of the source.

a perspective informed by

Indicates that the idea is influenced or shaped by the source.

a principle based on

Focuses on the foundational aspect of the source for the idea.

an insight gleaned from

Suggests that the idea was discovered or gathered from the source.

a thought stemming from

Indicates the idea originated from the source.

an understanding gained from

Highlights the learning or comprehension aspect from the source.

a theory influenced by

Specifies that the idea is a structured theory affected by the source.

a belief rooted in

Implies a deeply held conviction originating from the source.

FAQs

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

Use "an idea from" to introduce a concept or viewpoint that originates from a specific source. For example, "The project was based on "an idea from" a research paper." Ensure clear attribution to maintain credibility.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "an idea from"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a concept originating from", "a notion derived from", or "an inspiration drawn from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it acceptable to paraphrase "an idea from" another source without citation?

While paraphrasing is acceptable, it is crucial to provide proper citation even when you are not directly quoting. Failing to do so constitutes plagiarism. Use ""an idea from"" or similar phrases to properly credit the original source.

How does using "an idea from" enhance writing?

Using ""an idea from"" followed by a reputable source can strengthen your argument by adding credibility and demonstrating that your concepts are based on established knowledge. It also shows respect for intellectual property and avoids plagiarism.