an inspired idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"an inspired idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to let someone know that you think their idea is creative or imaginative. For example, "That's an inspired idea for a holiday gift!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was an inspired idea.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The joint shows are an inspired idea.

The New York Times - Arts

A love of nature and an inspired idea.

Independent

"I do think it was an inspired idea," Zaslow said.

The New York Times - Sports

Such an inspired idea seemed too good to be true.

The New York Times - Travel

What an inspired idea he ascribes to Simone!

The New Yorker

The next day I had an inspired idea: second-hand jeans.

The New York Times

Turning to Bruckner's Second Symphony after intermission was an inspired idea.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet, starting with the Mendelssohn overture turned out to be an inspired idea.

The New York Times - Arts

Through Oct. 15 Pairing Sterling Ruby and Lucio Fontana is an inspired idea.

The New York Times - Arts

It was an inspired idea, and it was clearly enormous fun.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an inspired idea" to commend someone's creativity or innovation, particularly when introducing a new concept or solution.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "an inspired idea" excessively in highly formal or academic writing; opt for more precise terms like 'innovative approach' or 'groundbreaking concept'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an inspired idea" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'inspired' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'idea'. It serves to describe and qualify a specific type of idea, emphasizing its creativity or ingenuity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Arts

25%

Books

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an inspired idea" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a particularly creative or innovative thought. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to consider the register and opt for more formal alternatives like "innovative approach" in academic settings. Remember to use "an inspired idea" when you want to commend someone's creativity or introduce a concept with strong potential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brilliant concept

Replaces 'idea' with 'concept' emphasizing the intellectual aspect.

an ingenious plan

Substitutes 'inspired' with 'ingenious' and 'idea' with 'plan', suggesting cleverness and practicality.

a stroke of genius

Emphasizes the exceptional cleverness and originality of the idea.

a clever innovation

Highlights the inventive and novel aspect of the idea.

a remarkable notion

Replaces 'inspired' with 'remarkable' and 'idea' with 'notion', indicating the unusual or noteworthy quality of the thought.

a creative solution

Focuses on the problem-solving aspect of the idea, highlighting its imaginative nature.

a visionary approach

Suggests that the idea is forward-thinking and innovative, indicating a long-term perspective.

a groundbreaking concept

Emphasizes the innovative and revolutionary nature of the idea.

a novel strategy

Highlights the originality and newness of the idea, especially in a strategic context.

a bright idea

A more casual but similar expression, emphasizing the positive and clever nature of the idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "an inspired idea" to describe a plan, concept, or suggestion that is particularly creative or innovative. For example, 'Turning the old factory into a community center was "an inspired idea".'

What are some alternatives to "an inspired idea"?

Alternatives include "a brilliant concept", "an ingenious plan", or "a stroke of genius". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, it is generally appropriate, although in very formal or academic contexts, you might consider alternatives like "an innovative approach" or "a groundbreaking concept" for greater precision.

What makes an idea 'inspired'?

An 'inspired' idea is one that seems to come from a place of creativity, insight, or even intuition. It often suggests a novel or particularly effective solution or approach.