be innovative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be innovative" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to think creatively or come up with new ideas in various contexts, such as business, education, or personal projects. Example: "In order to stay competitive in the market, we need to be innovative and explore new strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bush can be innovative.

The Guardian - Opinion

Be innovative with storage.

The Washington Post

They'll be innovative.

Harvard Business Review

"The industry has to be innovative.

The New York Times

Well, you have to be innovative.

The New Yorker

Can any company be innovative?

Harvard Business Review

"We always have to be innovative".

The New York Times

Coverage of them can be innovative, too.

The Guardian - Books

"So they have to be innovative.

The Guardian

Minado doesn't attempt to be innovative.

The New York Times

"You didn't have to be innovative".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be innovative", specify the area or aspect where innovation is needed to provide clear direction and context.

Common error

Avoid using "be innovative" as a generic buzzword. Instead, identify specific problems or opportunities that require creative solutions. For example, instead of saying "We need to be innovative", specify "We need to be innovative in our marketing strategies to reach a younger audience."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be innovative" functions as an imperative, urging or advising someone to adopt a creative and original approach. It is often used in contexts where new ideas or solutions are desired, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

11%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be innovative" is a commonly used and grammatically sound imperative that encourages creativity and originality. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable. It's prevalent in news and media, science, and general contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While frequently used, it's most effective when coupled with a specific area or challenge to focus the innovative efforts. For more targeted impact, consider alternatives such as "think creatively" or "develop new ideas".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

think creatively

Focuses on the mental process of generating new ideas.

develop new ideas

Emphasizes the creation of novel concepts.

embrace creativity

Suggests welcoming and integrating creative thinking.

adopt a pioneering approach

Highlights being among the first to implement a new idea.

cultivate originality

Stresses the development of unique and distinctive qualities.

explore novel solutions

Focuses on the search for new and inventive ways to solve problems.

dare to be different

Encourages boldness in deviating from conventional norms.

foster innovation

Promotes the growth and development of innovative practices.

revolutionize your thinking

Implies a fundamental change in how one approaches problems or ideas.

advance current thinking

Means to go beyond the current level of understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "be innovative" in a sentence?

You can use "be innovative" as an imperative, urging someone or a group to think creatively and come up with new ideas. For example, "To stay competitive, we must "be innovative" in our product development".

What is a good alternative to "be innovative"?

Alternatives include "think creatively", "develop new ideas", or "adopt a pioneering approach", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to "be innovative"?

While innovation is often beneficial, it's not always necessary. Sometimes, improving existing processes or products is more effective than trying to "be innovative" for the sake of it.

What does it mean to "be innovative" in business?

In business, to "be innovative" means to introduce new ideas, methods, or products that create value and give the company a competitive edge. This could involve anything from developing a groundbreaking new technology to finding a more efficient way to manage operations.