an idea of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'an idea of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey that someone has a concept or understanding of something. Example sentence: She has an idea of what she needs to do next.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not an idea of the month.

The New York Times

I'm getting an idea of Hermione though.

The Guardian

Still, an idea of Buffalo Bill survived.

The New York Times - Magazine

And you get an idea of it.

The Guardian - Film

It's just an idea, of course.

The Guardian

Let's have an idea of those moments.

The Guardian

"There's an idea of Mourinho that's flawed.

The Guardian - Sport

This paper presents an idea of clustering resolution.

Pattern Recognition

It remains an idea of its young problem, still current.

Energy Procedia

Now, sci­en­tists say they have an idea of why.

University of California, Berkeley

I had an idea of getting Ph.D. in electrical engineering.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an idea of" to introduce a general understanding or concept, rather than specific details. For example, "She has "an idea of" what she wants to study, but hasn't chosen a major yet."

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "an idea of" when more precise language would enhance clarity. Replace it with stronger verbs or nouns to convey specific knowledge or intentions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an idea of" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a general or initial understanding or concept. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

27%

Wiki

25%

Science

24%

Less common in

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an idea of" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates a general understanding or concept. It is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, as verified by Ludwig AI. While "an idea of" is versatile, it's important to consider stronger language for increased clarity and precision. Alternatives include "an understanding of" or "a grasp of", depending on the depth of knowledge you wish to convey. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, "an idea of" appears frequently in news, science, and wiki contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an understanding of

Highlights comprehension and knowledge, implying a deeper level of insight.

a notion of

Suggests a general or vague understanding, often tentative or unconfirmed.

a concept of

Focuses on a defined or abstract understanding, often within a specific field.

a sense of

Emphasizes intuition or feeling about something, rather than a concrete understanding.

a grasp of

Implies a firm understanding and control over a subject or concept.

a perception of

Focuses on how something is interpreted or viewed, often subjective.

a familiarity with

Suggests knowledge gained through experience or study.

an inkling of

Suggests a vague or uncertain feeling or suspicion.

a clue about

Indicates a hint or piece of information that leads to understanding.

a vision of

Implies a mental image or a plan for the future.

FAQs

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

Use "an idea of" to express a general understanding or concept. For example, "I have "an idea of" how the project should proceed."

What's a more formal alternative to "an idea of"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "an understanding of" or "a comprehension of". For example, "He possesses "an understanding of" the subject matter."

How does "an idea of" differ from "a clear understanding of"?

"An idea of" suggests a preliminary or incomplete understanding, while "a clear understanding of" implies thorough knowledge and comprehension. Using the right phrase can accurately reflect the depth of knowledge.

What phrases can I use instead of "an idea of" to express a slight understanding?

To express a slight or initial understanding, consider using phrases like "a sense of" or "a notion of". For example, "I have a sense of what's required."