as an idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a concept or suggestion in a theoretical or abstract manner. Example: "As an idea, implementing a four-day workweek could improve employee morale and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Everything begins as an idea," Plank said.

The New York Times - Sports

"As an idea it rivals monotheism".

The New Yorker

It is Islam as an idea.

The New Yorker

Resilience as an idea is not new.

The Guardian

The idea, as an idea, worked.

The New York Times - Food

"It was quite fully realized as an idea".

The New York Times - Books

"As an idea, as something we fight about".

The New Yorker

There's an accessibility within it as an idea," says Gallaccio.

Independent

This notion totally works as an idea for a sketch.

The Guardian - Opinion

But this was completely demolished as an idea.

The Guardian - Books

Every real thing started life as an idea.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To ensure clarity, follow "as an idea" with a comma when it introduces a clause.

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "as an idea" excessively in casual conversation can sound stilted. Opt for simpler phrasing like "the thought of" or "thinking about" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an idea" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to introduce a concept, proposal, or theoretical consideration. As supported by Ludwig, it helps to frame discussions around potential or hypothetical scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as an idea" is a prevalent and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to introduce concepts or proposals. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, and scientific domains. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience when using this phrase. In more informal settings, simpler alternatives might be preferable. Ludwig's analysis suggests "as an idea" is a valuable tool for expressing theoretical considerations, enabling clear communication in both written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a concept

Highlights the fundamental understanding or definition of something.

in theory

Highlights the hypothetical nature of an idea, often contrasting with practical application.

theoretically speaking

Similar to "in theory", but places more emphasis on the act of theorizing.

conceptually speaking

Focuses on the theoretical aspect of an idea, emphasizing abstraction.

in the abstract

Stresses the lack of concrete detail or practical consideration.

from a theoretical standpoint

Emphasizes a formal, academic perspective on the idea.

hypothetically

Indicates a conditional or speculative viewpoint.

considering the idea

Introduces the idea as a point of consideration or discussion.

on paper

Implies that the idea seems good in written form but may not be feasible in reality.

for the sake of argument

Suggests the idea is being introduced for discussion purposes, regardless of personal belief.

FAQs

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

You can use "as an idea" to introduce a concept, suggestion, or theoretical consideration. For instance, "As an idea, a universal basic income could alleviate poverty".

What are some alternatives to "as an idea"?

Alternatives include "in theory", "conceptually", or "from a theoretical standpoint", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "as an idea" or "as a concept"?

Both "as an idea" and "as a concept" are correct, but "as a concept" may be more appropriate when referring to a clearly defined abstract notion, while "as an idea" is more general.

When should I use "as an idea" versus "in practice"?

"As an idea" introduces a theoretical consideration, while "in practice" refers to the actual implementation or execution. For example, "As an idea, the policy seemed promising, but in practice, it faced numerous challenges".