at the idea of

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the idea of" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is commonly used to express surprise, disbelief, or hatred when faced with an unexpected suggestion. For example: The woman scoffed at the idea of having to wait in a long line to buy groceries.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It scoffs at the idea of saving.

Independent

Damon laughs at the idea of it.

The Guardian - Film

Palace sources sniff at the idea of a settlement.

The Economist

"I immediately jumped at the idea of a facade.

The New York Times

But Peter balked at the idea of partnership.

The New York Times

But he is amazed at the idea of voting Tory.

The Economist

Hall laughs out loud at the idea of virtual booing.

Independent

At times, he laughed at the idea of civil commitment.

The New Yorker

Balk at the idea of evaluating or firing someone?

The New York Times

Look at the idea of a split personality.

Independent

Several were aghast at the idea of another election.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the idea of" to clearly convey a specific reaction—such as amusement, shock, or disagreement—to a concept. This phrase helps signal your stance and adds nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid omitting the preposition "of" after "idea". Saying "at the idea" is grammatically incorrect. Always include "of" to maintain proper syntax and meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the idea of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb or adjective to indicate a reaction or attitude towards a particular concept or plan. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly expresses surprise, disbelief, or other emotional responses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

19%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the idea of" is a common prepositional phrase used to express a reaction to a particular concept, plan, or suggestion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used correctly to indicate surprise, disbelief, or any other emotional response. Its versatility makes it suitable for both formal and informal contexts, and it is frequently found in news, media, and scientific publications. To ensure correct usage, always include the preposition "of". Remember that while similar phrases like ""at the thought of"" exist, the specific nuance of "at the idea of" relates directly to the concept itself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the thought of

Emphasizes the mental contemplation or consideration of something.

at the prospect of

Focuses on the anticipation or possibility of something happening, rather than the concept itself.

about the theory of

Directly addresses a theoretical concept or framework.

regarding the concept of

More formal and academic, suitable for analytical discussions.

concerning the notion of

Similar to "regarding the concept of" but can imply a sense of debate or inquiry.

with respect to the suggestion of

Highlights a formal or respectful consideration of a suggestion.

in light of the understanding of

Indicates that an idea is being considered based on a certain understanding or knowledge.

in relation to the plan of

Specifically refers to a plan or strategy, rather than a general idea.

in connection with the vision of

Links an idea to a broader vision or long-term goal.

when it comes to the subject of

Indicates a shift in topic or focus, often used in discussions.

FAQs

How can I use "at the idea of" in a sentence?

You can use "at the idea of" to express a reaction to something, such as "She laughed "at the idea of" skydiving" or "He was horrified "at the idea of" public speaking."

What phrases are similar to "at the idea of"?

Similar phrases include "at the thought of", "regarding the concept of", or "concerning the notion of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "at the idea" instead of "at the idea of"?

No, it is not correct. The preposition "of" is essential for proper grammatical structure. "At the idea" is grammatically incorrect; always use ""at the idea of"".

What's the difference between "at the idea of" and "to the idea of"?

"At the idea of" expresses a reaction to something, whereas "to the idea of" implies a connection or alignment with the idea. They have different meanings and cannot be used interchangeably.