an initial idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an initial idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the first concept or thought that comes to mind regarding a particular topic or project. Example: "After brainstorming, we settled on an initial idea for the marketing campaign that we could develop further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

I was wondering what happened to these projects as they both seemed to have gone beyond an initial idea.

The Guardian - Music

This range of expertise is essential for taking an initial idea then using it to help patients and commercialising it.

The Guardian

When his name was suggested by Steven Soderbergh as an initial idea for the role, Tatum had dismissed him because of his reputation for being difficult.

The Guardian - Film

"On Yeezus, someone would have an initial idea, then three, four, five other people would do their interpretations of that idea.

The Guardian - Music

"These figures give us an initial idea of the effects of losing full access to the single market in financial services.

The Guardian

After passing up an initial idea to create a bar based around a bounce house (getting insured would have been next to impossible), they stumbled upon their big idea.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

By examining the articles that result in alerts the reviewers could get a better initial idea of the quantity and quality of new information pertinent to an SR before actually scheduling or conducting the review update.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Froome started on the road to the top as a teenage mountain bike rider on the dust tracks of the Kenyan highlands and had a novel initial idea to succeeding after moving to European competition - he grew his own bean sprouts in an attempt to gain a nutritional advantage.

BBC

De Koning (1999, p.3) defines opportunity recognition as an "evolution of initial idea into full blown business concepts".

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Paired with the set model, they show the evolution of a design from the initial idea into a three-dimensional space setting the mood for the action.

The New York Times

They were like, 'Are you really a gringo?' " The initial idea was to perform using the name he earned down on the ranch — Shawnito — but his Mexican brother-in-law convinced him otherwise.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an initial idea" to kickstart brainstorming sessions, encouraging participants to build upon and refine the original concept.

Common error

Avoid treating "an initial idea" as a finalized plan. Premature commitment can stifle creativity and prevent exploring potentially better alternatives. Always emphasize its developmental nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initial idea" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a concept or plan at its earliest stage of development. Ludwig AI shows that it often appears when discussing project beginnings or creative processes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science & Research

8%

Arts

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an initial idea" is a commonly used phrase to denote a preliminary concept or plan. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and business. It's crucial to remember that "an initial idea" is a starting point, open to change and development. When using this phrase, ensure clarity that it is preliminary and not a finalized plan. Alternatives such as "a preliminary concept" or "a starting point" can also be considered. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate the exploratory nature of your concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary concept

Emphasizes the tentative and early nature of the idea.

a starting point

Focuses on the idea as a place to begin further development.

a basic notion

Highlights the simplicity and fundamental aspect of the idea.

a nascent concept

Implies the idea is just beginning to emerge or develop.

an early thought

Stresses the initial stage of the idea's formation.

a tentative plan

Highlights the exploratory and unconfirmed nature of the idea.

a first draft

Presents the idea as an early version needing refinement.

an emerging concept

Indicates that the idea is in the process of becoming clear.

a working hypothesis

Frames the idea as a preliminary assumption for testing.

a seed of inspiration

Evokes the idea as a source for future creativity and innovation.

FAQs

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

You can use "an initial idea" to introduce a preliminary concept or thought. For instance, "The project began with "an initial idea" to create a sustainable energy source".

What are some alternatives to "an initial idea"?

Alternatives include "a preliminary concept", "a starting point", or "a basic notion", depending on the specific context.

Is it okay to change "an initial idea" during a project?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable and often necessary to modify "an initial idea" as you gather more information and refine your understanding. Flexibility is key in project development.

What's the difference between ""an initial idea"" and "a final plan"?

"An initial idea" is a starting point, subject to change and development, while "a final plan" is a well-defined and actionable strategy ready for implementation.