compelling idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compelling idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an idea that is interesting, persuasive, or captivating, often in discussions about creativity, innovation, or argumentation. Example: "The author presented a compelling idea that challenged the conventional wisdom on climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a compelling idea.

The Guardian

A compelling idea from a consummate medievalist.

Columbia University

This is a philosophically compelling idea.

Harvard University

And it helps organize one's thoughts around a compelling idea.

The New York Times

This was a compelling idea when preached by Calvin.

The Washington Post

It has at its centre a single, compelling idea.

The Guardian - Film

On the one hand, it's a powerful, compelling idea.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

New-economy advocates found this a compelling idea.

The New York Times

But the West must not lose sight of its most compelling idea: democracy.

The Economist

That's the compelling idea behind the Global Partnership for Education, whose board I now chair.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a compelling idea, and gives the mystery of her disappearance a sense of unreality.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "compelling idea", ensure you articulate its novelty and potential impact clearly to capture the audience's interest effectively.

Common error

Avoid presenting a commonplace suggestion as a "compelling idea". Ensure your idea offers a genuinely innovative or insightful perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compelling idea" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "compelling" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "idea". Ludwig AI examples confirm that this phrase is used to introduce a concept that is persuasive, interesting, or captivating.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compelling idea" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that effectively introduces a concept worthy of attention. As demonstrated by Ludwig AI examples, its usage spans diverse contexts, from news and media to academic and business settings. When employing this phrase, emphasize the idea's novelty and potential impact. Consider using synonyms like "persuasive concept" or "attractive proposition" for variety. Remember, the core of a "compelling idea" lies in its ability to captivate and convince.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persuasive concept

Changes the adjective to emphasize the idea's ability to convince.

attractive proposition

Replaces "idea" with a more formal term, suggesting a proposal.

captivating notion

Emphasizes the idea's ability to hold attention.

convincing argument

Focuses on the strength and validity of the idea.

strong thesis

Implies a well-supported and significant central idea.

fascinating concept

Highlights the intriguing nature of the idea.

brilliant insight

Suggests a particularly clever or astute idea.

intriguing proposal

Similar to "attractive proposition" but emphasizing curiosity.

noteworthy theory

Suggests the idea is significant and worth taking note of.

remarkable suggestion

Highlights the unusual or exceptional nature of the idea.

FAQs

How can I use "compelling idea" in a sentence?

You can use "compelling idea" to describe a thought or concept that is persuasive, interesting, or captivating. For example: "The scientist presented a "compelling idea" about the origins of the universe."

What are some alternatives to "compelling idea"?

Alternatives include phrases like "persuasive concept", "attractive proposition", or "captivating notion", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "compelling idea" in formal writing?

Yes, "compelling idea" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing concepts or proposals in business, academic, or journalistic contexts. Its usage signals that the idea in question is worthy of serious consideration.

What makes an idea "compelling"?

A "compelling idea" is one that is not only interesting but also persuasive and holds the attention of the audience. It often presents a fresh perspective or a solution to a problem that is difficult to ignore.