brainstorming

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'brainstorming' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a group activity that involves the spontaneous contribution of ideas on a specific topic. For example: "We spent the meeting brainstorming new marketing ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Enter the Urban Vision, a self-styled "think-do tank" that seeks to re-envisage India's cities by brainstorming new designs for urban spaces – and then, crucially, making those designs a reality.

The Guardian

It was still a world of personal computers, dominated by Microsoft through its Windows operating system.But towards the end of 2003 two conference organisers, Dale Dougherty and Tim O'Reilly, were brainstorming when Mr Dougherty used the words "Web 2.0".

The Economist

Ideensammlung will replace brainstorming; meeting-points will become Treffpunkte.

The Economist

He knows how chaotically scripts are put together, with a battery of writers chipping in their five cents' worth at "brainstorming" sessions very different from Hollywood's practice of successive rewrites.

The Economist

IN 2003, towards the end of the dotcom depression, Dale Dougherty and Tim O'Reilly, the founders of O'Reilly Media, a book publisher and conference firm, were brainstorming, and Mr Dougherty dropped the term "Web 2.0".

The Economist

At the hub sits the structure's brain: Mr Gross, in a rotating chair, stroking a virtual white cat.Heady stuff even for a man who likens brainstorming to sex.

The Economist

Oracle's engineers are already brainstorming about how to build "industries in a box"—complete computer systems that come fine-tuned for, say, banking or retailing.Yet there are other aspects of the takeover which Mr Ellison prefers not to mention.

The Economist

He is credited with brainstorming the "24/7" series on HBO, an enormously popular reality show about pre-fight training camp that has become an essential marketing tool for pay-per-view fights.

The Economist

Besides, since the West began obsessing a generation ago about accelerating social and technological change, people in government and industry can spend weeks each year in retreats brainstorming and scenario-building about the future of their company or their industry or their world.

The Economist

The small Moscow building is bustling with young volunteers brainstorming, tapping away on their MacBooks, carrying boxes of advertising materials, signing up artists.

The Economist

Alas, the consensus among the corporate bigwigs gathered this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos was that this marked only the beginning of the axe-swinging, and that there are blacker days to come.This proved to be one of the big points of difference between the company bosses and the politicians brainstorming in the mountains.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before starting a "brainstorming" session, clearly define the problem or topic to ensure the discussion remains focused and productive.

Common error

Ensure your "brainstorming" sessions have a clear objective and structure. Unfocused discussions can lead to unproductive outcomes. Use techniques like mind mapping or timed rounds to keep the session on track.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "brainstorming" is as a noun, referring to a specific method of problem-solving. It can also function as a verb, specifically the present participle of the verb "brainstorm", as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Brainstorming" is a common and grammatically correct term referring to a group activity aimed at generating ideas and solving problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can function as both a noun and a verb. It appears frequently in news media and business contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. Related phrases include "idea generation" and "collaborative thinking". To maximize the effectiveness of "brainstorming" sessions, it is important to define clear objectives and encourage active participation while avoiding premature criticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thought shower

A more informal and vivid term for brainstorming, emphasizing the rapid flow of ideas.

ideas meeting

A simple and direct alternative, highlighting the core purpose of generating ideas.

idea generation

Focuses specifically on the creation of ideas, omitting the problem-solving aspect.

creative session

Highlights the creative aspect of the process, often implying a less structured approach.

collaborative thinking

Emphasizes the joint nature of the thought process, less about spontaneous idea creation.

innovation workshop

Implies a more structured and strategic approach to generating innovative solutions.

group discussion

More general term for collective deliberation, without the specific aim of idea generation.

masterminding session

Suggests a more coordinated and strategic planning approach.

problem-solving session

Focuses on resolving issues rather than simply generating ideas.

strategic planning

Related to brainstorming but also encompasses analysis, goal-setting and action planning.

FAQs

How can I use "brainstorming" in a sentence?

You can use "brainstorming" as a noun to describe a group activity aimed at generating ideas. For example: "The team engaged in a "brainstorming" session to come up with new marketing strategies."

What is another word for "brainstorming"?

Alternatives to "brainstorming" include "idea generation", "collaborative thinking", or "thought shower" depending on the context.

What are the benefits of "brainstorming"?

"Brainstorming" can foster creativity, generate a wide range of ideas, and encourage team collaboration. It allows for diverse perspectives and can lead to innovative solutions.

How do you facilitate an effective "brainstorming" session?

To facilitate an effective "brainstorming" session, clearly define the problem, encourage participation, defer judgment during idea generation, and document all suggestions. After the session, evaluate and prioritize the ideas.