conservative idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conservative idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a notion or belief that aligns with conservative values or principles, often in political or social contexts. Example: "The proposal to reduce government spending is a conservative idea that has gained traction among certain lawmakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is hardly a conservative idea.

The New York Times

"The conservative idea factory is not producing as it did.

The New Yorker

He once called it, "the ultimate conservative idea".

The New York Times

The one big conservative idea that's largely missing is malpractice reform.

The New York Times

Yet she also subscribes to the conservative idea that people respond rationally to financial incentives.

The New York Times

One more thing: I'm not sure whether paying hospitals for good care, instead of more care, is a conservative idea.

The New York Times

Agencies tend to be relied upon for a certain, specific aesthetic – often a traditional, even conservative, idea of beauty.

Independent

A conservative idea championed by liberals, it was embraced by its enemies and abandoned by its supposed beneficiaries.

The New York Times

Early- childhood intervention programs were not a conservative idea, but they work, and any decent party will embrace them.

The New York Times - Magazine

It proposed two ideal tax systems: one based on a liberal Haig-Simons definition of income and another based on the conservative idea of taxing only consumption.

The New York Times

But it is a useful reminder of his pragmatic, reforming side.To get the law through, the president quickly dropped the conservative idea of school vouchers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "conservative idea", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific area (e.g., political, social, economic) to which the idea applies, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "conservative idea" as universally applicable without acknowledging potential variations or criticisms within conservative thought. Always consider specifying the particular faction or perspective within conservatism that holds the idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conservative idea" functions as a noun phrase, where "conservative" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "idea". Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It typically identifies a concept or belief aligned with conservative principles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "conservative idea" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to concepts aligned with conservative principles. As supported by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While the term itself is neutral, the impact of its use depends heavily on the surrounding context and intended audience. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to specify the particular area of conservatism being addressed to avoid overgeneralization. Consider using alternative phrases like "traditional viewpoint" or "right-wing concept" for stylistic variation or to emphasize specific aspects of the idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Standard conservative belief

Adds emphasis on the idea as a very common and recognizable conservative tenet.

Conservative principle

Focuses on the moral or ethical dimension of the idea.

Right-wing concept

Replaces "conservative" with a more direct political alignment.

Right-leaning perspective

Similar to "right-wing concept" but uses a softer tone.

Conservative tenet

Highlights the idea as a fundamental part of conservative ideology.

Traditional viewpoint

Emphasizes the conventional or established nature of the idea.

Conventional wisdom

Highlights the widely accepted, often unquestioned, nature of the idea.

Established principle

Focuses on the idea as a fundamental belief or doctrine.

Classical notion

Suggests a historical or time-honored aspect of the idea.

Reactionary thought

Highlights the resistance to change inherent in some conservative ideas.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The proposal to lower taxes is often seen as a "conservative idea" aimed at stimulating economic growth."

What is an alternative to saying "conservative idea"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "traditional viewpoint", "right-wing concept", or "conventional wisdom".

Is the term "conservative idea" biased?

The term itself is neutral, but its connotations depend on the context and how it's presented. It simply identifies an idea associated with conservative ideology. It becomes biased only when presented with undue favor or criticism.

What's the difference between "conservative idea" and "traditional idea"?

While there's overlap, a "conservative idea" is specifically linked to conservative political or social philosophy. A "traditional idea" might simply be a long-standing custom or practice not necessarily tied to political ideology.