an intriguing idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an intriguing idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a concept or thought that captures your interest or curiosity. Example: "The proposal presented during the meeting was truly an intriguing idea that could revolutionize our approach to marketing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"But it's an intriguing idea".

The New Yorker

It's an intriguing idea.

The Guardian - Sport

JAMES SUROWIECKI: That's an intriguing idea.

The New Yorker

Shame, it's quite an intriguing idea.

The Guardian

Though an intriguing idea, the Mortier gambit was a debacle.

The New York Times - Arts

The project starts, again, with an intriguing idea.

The New York Times

It's an intriguing idea – what did you mean?

The Guardian - Books

It's an intriguing idea - Michael Mansfield as transport tsar.

The Guardian

"It's an intriguing idea that deserves serious consideration".

The Guardian - Money

It is an intriguing idea, but hardly what was originally envisaged.

The Economist

But without anything more to go on, that notion remains merely an intriguing idea.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an intriguing idea" to introduce a topic that you plan to explore further in your writing. This phrase is excellent for setting the stage for a more detailed discussion or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "an intriguing idea" as a mere placeholder without elaborating on the idea itself. Make sure to follow up with details about what makes the idea interesting to prevent your writing from sounding vague or uninspired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an intriguing idea" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "intriguing" modifies the noun "idea". It typically serves to introduce or describe a concept that is interesting, curious, or thought-provoking. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and appropriate for usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an intriguing idea" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a concept that piques interest and invites further exploration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. It’s crucial to provide substance when using this phrase, avoiding mere placeholder use. Instead, follow it up with details that explain why the idea is interesting to prevent your writing from sounding vague. Alternatives include "a captivating concept" and "a fascinating notion". Overall, it's a useful tool for writers aiming to introduce interesting proposals or concepts and set the stage for discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a captivating concept

Emphasizes the ability of the concept to hold attention and interest.

a fascinating notion

Highlights the interesting and appealing nature of the notion.

a compelling proposition

Focuses on the persuasive and convincing quality of the proposal.

a thought-provoking concept

Stresses the idea's ability to stimulate reflection and deeper consideration.

an interesting proposal

A more general alternative, simply stating that the proposal is of interest.

a remarkable suggestion

Highlights the unusual or exceptional nature of the suggestion.

a novel approach

Emphasizes the new and innovative character of the approach.

a unique perspective

Highlights the distinct and individual viewpoint offered.

a promising avenue

Suggests that the idea offers potential for future development or success.

a ground-breaking thought

Focuses on how disruptive and innovative the idea is.

FAQs

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

You can use "an intriguing idea" to introduce a concept you find interesting. For example, "The use of AI in education is "an intriguing idea" that warrants further investigation".

What are some alternatives to "an intriguing idea"?

Some alternatives include "a captivating concept", "a fascinating notion", or "a compelling proposition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "an intriguing idea" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to express interest in a concept. The formality often depends more on the context of the idea itself rather than the phrase.

What's the difference between "an intriguing idea" and "an interesting idea"?

"Intriguing" suggests something that sparks curiosity and deeper interest, implying a certain level of complexity or mystery. "Interesting" is a broader term that simply means something holds your attention. "Intriguing" conveys a stronger sense of captivation than "an interesting idea".