average idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "average idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a concept or thought that is not particularly unique or exceptional, often implying mediocrity. Example: "While the proposal was well-structured, it ultimately presented an average idea that lacked innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Start by realising an average idea – no one has to see it.

The Guardian

"I look at a lot of Chinese wallpaper, and I've never seen one where the idea is actually contrary to the average idea," he said.

The New York Times

The work in [13] pursues more accurate blindly estimated results by processing the candidate set of cyclic frequencies with average idea.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Part of the attraction is that, in a town where the average age seems to hover around 20 and the average idea of a good bar is where you can get draft beer for a dollar, there are few places where adults can go to enjoy a civilized evening.

Forbes

In business, it is often better to repackage and existing average idea and improve on it to achieve greatness.

Huffington Post

An average idea that gets off the ground is worth much more than a brilliant idea that is only on paper," said Markun.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Apart from the title track's euphoric burble-and-grind and The Brainwasher's acid-house villainy, Human After All is a joyless collection of average ideas stretched desperately thin.

The Guardian - Music

Genius only reveals itself when you show up enough times to get the average ideas out of the way.

Huffington Post

Leveraging our creativity requires us to effectively brainstorm solutions that exceed a short list of average ideas and instead push our thinking beyond our self-imposed limits to get to the ideas that are innovative in their design and approach.

Huffington Post

Chensheng Lu, an associate professor at Harvard University's School of Public Health, likened the averaging idea to drinking and driving.

The Guardian

With each member now representing about 700,000 constituents on average, the idea of increasing the size of the House has come up in recent years, but it has not attracted much support.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "average idea" to indicate the beginning of an iterative or exploratory process, where the initial average idea is refined and improved upon.

Common error

Avoid simply stating an idea is "average" without explaining why or offering suggestions for improvement. Provide constructive feedback to make your assessment more valuable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "average idea" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "average" modifies the noun "idea". It describes the quality or characteristic of the idea. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis, indicating its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "average idea" is grammatically correct and usable, as affirmed by Ludwig. It describes an idea that lacks exceptional qualities or innovation. While the phrase itself carries a neutral register, it's frequently used in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. Improving an "average idea" involves adding originality and creativity. Alternatives like "common notion" or "typical concept" can be used for variety. While having a brilliant concept can be desired, Ludwig’s examples demonstrate that even an “average idea” is useful, because it can be a stepping stone for progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mediocre idea

Directly assesses the quality of the idea as being of a low standard.

common notion

Emphasizes the widespread acceptance and familiarity of the idea.

typical concept

Highlights the conventional and standard nature of the idea.

ordinary thought

Stresses the lack of exceptional quality or innovation.

unremarkable idea

Directly points out the lack of anything special or noteworthy.

pedestrian concept

Suggests the idea is commonplace and lacks imagination.

run-of-the-mill thought

Implies the idea is standard and not particularly creative.

conventional idea

Focuses on the adherence to established norms and practices.

standard concept

Highlights that the idea aligns with accepted norms or expectations.

mundane idea

Suggests the idea is ordinary and unexciting.

FAQs

What does it mean to have an "average idea"?

Having an "average idea" means the concept is not particularly unique, innovative, or exceptional. It's a common or standard thought that doesn't stand out in terms of originality or quality.

How can I improve an "average idea"?

To improve an "average idea", focus on adding elements of originality, creativity, and innovation. Research similar concepts, brainstorm new angles, and consider unique applications to elevate the idea beyond the ordinary.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "average idea"?

You can use alternatives like "common notion", "typical concept", or "unremarkable idea" to convey a similar meaning. These phrases emphasize the lack of exceptional qualities.

Is it always bad to have an "average idea"?

Not necessarily. An "average idea" can be a starting point for further development and refinement. It can also serve as a baseline for comparison, highlighting the value of more innovative concepts. Sometimes, executing an average idea well is more valuable than having a brilliant idea that never gets implemented.