communicate an idea

USAGE SUMMARY

'communicate an idea' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it any time you need to express the concept of sharing a thought or concept. For example, "I wrote a blog post to communicate my idea about sustainability in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Drawings are able to communicate an idea instantly, worldlessly and internationally.

The Economist

To them, the spots show people using ingenuity -- and Fuji's digital technologies -- to communicate an idea.

The New York Times

It's a fun way to communicate an idea and share feedback based on the image.

The Guardian

Remember what it is you're trying to do when writing for a wide audience: communicate an idea clearly and accurately.

The Guardian

"And in many instances, people find it much easier to communicate an idea by drawing a picture, or prefer handwriting or drawing a picture as more personal or expressive communication than typing text on a keyboard," Mr. Shiigi writes.

The New York Times

Their point is to communicate an idea or story, and they do so through the layout and design of the page, the transitions between each panel that demand that the reader fill in blanks of motion and time, and the pictures, captions, and text.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

You're communicating an idea.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It feels not too heavy, boring or pedantic, and communicates an idea quickly.

The New York Times

But there's nothing specific about the fit of those clothes that communicates an idea or an emotion.

The New York Times

Those drops communicated an idea of freshness, and the sushi, like the sashimi before it, didn't contradict that message.

The New York Times - Food

Communicating an idea like historic preservation or environmental protection is more difficult than the simpler idea that most consumer brands are pushing: buy me.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use active voice constructions with "communicate an idea" to make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The idea was communicated by the report", write "The report communicated the idea".

Common error

Avoid embedding "communicate an idea" within overly complex sentences. Break down long sentences to ensure the core message remains easily understandable. Clarity is key when conveying thoughts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "communicate an idea" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of conveying a thought, concept, or message from one party to another. Ludwig provides examples showing it's used to describe clear and accurate conveyance of thoughts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "communicate an idea" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for describing the act of conveying a concept or thought. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various writing contexts. It finds frequent use in News & Media and Scientific domains, with a neutral register making it suitable for both formal and informal settings. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure both the method and the idea itself are easily understood. Related phrases include "convey a thought" and "express a concept". Avoid embedding it within overly complex sentence structures to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

convey a thought

This alternative focuses on the transmission of a single thought, emphasizing simplicity.

express a concept

This alternative is more suitable when the idea is abstract or theoretical.

get the message across

This alternative suggests ensuring that the idea is understood by the recipient.

put an idea across

Similar to 'get the message across', this focuses on successfully presenting the idea.

articulate a notion

This implies a more formal and precise expression of an idea.

disseminate information

This alternative emphasizes the distribution of information, rather than the crafting of an idea.

propagate a belief

This alternative is used when the idea is about promotion of specific belief or dogma.

impart knowledge

This alternative suggests the sharing of knowledge or understanding.

clarify understanding

This alternative focuses on achieving clarity of comprehension.

transmit information

This is more general and suitable when referring to factual data.

FAQs

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

You can use "communicate an idea" to describe the process of sharing a concept or thought. For example, "The presentation helped the team "communicate an idea" effectively".

What are some alternatives to "communicate an idea"?

Alternatives include "convey a thought", "express a concept", or "get the message across", depending on the context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "communicate an idea" or "share an idea"?

"Communicate an idea" focuses on the effectiveness of the transmission, while "share an idea" emphasizes the act of offering it to others. The best choice depends on whether you want to stress clarity or participation.

How does visual communication "communicate an idea"?

Visual communication, such as infographics or presentations, "communicates an idea" by leveraging images, colors, and layout to present information in an easily digestible and engaging format, often more effectively than text alone.