communicates an idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "communicates an idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how a message, artwork, or any form of expression conveys a specific thought or concept. Example: "The painting communicates an idea of hope and resilience through its vibrant colors and dynamic composition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

You're communicating an idea.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

The Economist

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

The Guardian

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

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

The New York Times

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

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

The pictures are also on display at the João Ferreira Gallery in Cape Town through July 24, the Resolution Gallery of Digital Art in Johannesburg through July 31 and the Botanique gallery in Brussels through July 18. "She really does have a wonderful feeling for texture and space and communicating an idea," said Mr. Ferreira, owner of the gallery here in Cape Town.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "communicates an idea", ensure that the subject clearly indicates what is doing the communicating, be it a person, a piece of art, or a text.

Common error

Ensure the "idea" being communicated is clear to the audience. Vague or abstract ideas can lead to misinterpretations. Provide sufficient context to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "communicates an idea" functions as a verb phrase where "communicates" is the verb and "an idea" is the direct object. It describes the action of conveying a specific thought or concept. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "communicates an idea" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing the conveyance of a concept or message. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for various contexts but is most frequently found in news, media, and scientific writing. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is a clear and effective way to articulate how information is transmitted, especially when analyzing art, writing, or speech. Remember to ensure clarity and context when using the phrase to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "conveys a thought" or "expresses a concept" to fine-tune your meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conveys a thought

Replaces "communicates" with "conveys", focusing on the act of transmitting a thought.

expresses a concept

Substitutes "communicates" with "expresses", emphasizing the articulation of a concept.

gets across an idea

Uses a more informal phrasal verb "gets across" instead of "communicates", indicating successful transmission of the idea.

puts forward an idea

Emphasizes the act of proposing or presenting an idea for consideration.

articulates a point

Focuses on the clear and effective expression of a specific point.

imparts a notion

Replaces "communicates" with "imparts", suggesting the transfer of knowledge or understanding of a notion.

transmits a message

Focuses on the transmission aspect, using "message" instead of "idea".

reveals a perspective

Highlights the revealing of a specific point of view or perspective.

signals a concept

Suggests that the idea is being indicated or signaled rather than fully communicated.

presents a viewpoint

Highlights the presentation of a specific viewpoint or opinion.

FAQs

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

You can use "communicates an idea" to describe how something conveys a concept or message. For example, "The painting "communicates an idea" of hope through its use of color."

What are some alternatives to "communicates an idea"?

Alternatives include "conveys a thought", "expresses a concept", or "gets across an idea". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "communicates an idea" or "communicates a concept"?

Both "communicates an idea" and "communicates a concept" are correct. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the specific thought (idea) or the broader understanding (concept) being conveyed.

What does it mean for art to "communicate an idea"?

When art ""communicates an idea"", it means the artwork conveys a message, theme, or concept to the viewer through its visual elements, composition, and symbolism. It provokes thought or emotion beyond its aesthetic appeal.