convey an idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "convey an idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of expressing or communicating a thought, concept, or message to others. Example: "The author uses vivid imagery to convey an idea about the beauty of nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It is designed to convey an idea of inevitability.

The Economist

In music, it was to convey an idea or affect through a wash of sound rather than a strict formal structure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I believe that the purpose of language is to convey an idea and I personally don't like language getting in the way.

The Guardian - Books

It was a cool moment to be able to convey an idea to someone and be able to see them execute it".

The Guardian

"I think photography is closest to writing, not painting," she once said, "because you are using this machine to convey an idea".

The Guardian - Arts

Both Ginsburgs, as well as Rachel Ginsburg, Mr. Ginsburg's daughter-in-law, who also worked on the exhibition, said they wanted to convey an idea of Dobbs Ferry's fertile art scene to prospective buyers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

But offering a lesson to teenagers is less graceful, less subtle, than conveying an idea or theme, and these books can feel like after-school specials.

The New York Times - Books

He's never given himself a phrase or sentence to wield in the crunch, conveying an idea that's simple and yet profound enough to embed itself in the public's mind, and that truly defines his political vision.

The New Yorker

This next chart conveys an idea of changes over time in the money flow through major public and private insurance programs and through out-of-pocket payments by patients.

The New York Times

It conveys an idea of how this extraordinary machinery works at a change of government".

BBC

Conveying an idea of the classical variational inequality, denoted by, is to find an such that (1.9).

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, support your idea with concrete examples or illustrations to make it more accessible to your audience. This helps to solidify understanding and prevents misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex language or jargon when attempting to "convey an idea". Simplicity and directness often enhance understanding and ensure your message resonates effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "convey an idea" functions as a verbal expression indicating the act of communicating or transmitting a thought, concept, or message. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

29%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "convey an idea" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing the act of communicating a thought or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, supported by examples from diverse sources like news, science and general knowledge. While relatively uncommon, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. For more engaging communication, it’s beneficial to use concrete examples and avoid jargon. Related phrases such as "express a thought" or "communicate a concept" can add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

express a thought

Focuses on the articulation of a thought rather than just an idea.

communicate a concept

Highlights the transmission of a concept, emphasizing clarity in communication.

articulate a notion

Emphasizes a clear and effective expression of a notion or belief.

impart a vision

Suggests sharing a broader perspective or insight, going beyond a simple idea.

get the message across

Focuses on the successful reception of a message by the audience.

put forward a suggestion

Indicates the presentation of a proposal or recommendation for consideration.

share an understanding

Emphasizes a mutual comprehension or insight between parties.

illustrate a point

Suggests the use of examples or explanations to clarify a particular argument.

set forth a thesis

Refers to the formal presentation of an argument or proposition.

relay an impression

Highlights the transmission of a feeling or subjective understanding.

FAQs

How can I better "convey an idea" in writing?

Use clear and concise language, provide supporting evidence or examples, and consider your audience's existing knowledge. Organizing your thoughts logically and structuring your writing effectively will also improve clarity.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "convey an idea"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "express a thought", "communicate a concept", or "articulate a notion".

How does the context influence the way I "convey an idea"?

The context dictates the level of formality, the type of language you use, and the details you include. A scientific paper, for example, requires a different approach than a casual conversation.

What is the importance of visual aids when trying to "convey an idea"?

Visual aids such as charts, graphs, and images can significantly enhance understanding and retention, especially when dealing with complex information. They offer a different way to "illustrate a point".