dropped the idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"dropped the idea" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to abandon or give up an idea or plan. You can use it to describe a decision to not go through with something or to change direction. For example: "After much consideration, she dropped the idea of starting her own business and decided to pursue a career in marketing instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He dropped the idea of selflessness.

The New Yorker

Germany dropped the idea amid environmental concerns.

Yale University

Fortunately, the developers dropped the idea.

MIT Technology Review

As a result, Regeni dropped the idea.

The Guardian

Mr. Grahm finally dropped the idea -- sort of.

The New York Times

I think I dropped the idea right then and there.

The New York Times

However, the BBC today confirmed it had dropped the idea.

The Guardian

Most orchestras, once the underwriting disappeared, dropped the idea.

The New York Times - Arts

Responding to her appeals, council members dropped the idea.

The Washington Post

But then I dropped the idea and got married instead".

The New York Times - Books

Fearing the fallout, he wisely dropped the idea.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dropped the idea", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what entity abandoned the idea, and why. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "dropped the idea" without specifying who dropped the idea. For instance, instead of saying "The project was dropped the idea", clarify: "The development team dropped the idea".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dropped the idea" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of abandoning or ceasing to consider a particular plan, concept, or intention. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dropped the idea" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used phrase that signifies the abandonment of a plan or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness across diverse contexts. It is frequently found in news and media, academic writing, and formal business settings. When using the phrase, clarity is paramount; specify who abandoned the idea and the reasoning behind it for maximum impact. Consider alternatives like "abandoned the plan" or "scrapped the project" to add nuance, if needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abandoned the plan

Focuses on the act of giving up a pre-arranged course of action.

discarded the concept

Highlights the disposal of an idea, often because it's deemed unsuitable or irrelevant.

scrapped the project

Suggests discarding a project, often due to difficulties or lack of viability.

rejected the notion

Emphasizes the act of dismissing an abstract concept or belief.

shelved the proposal

Implies temporarily setting aside a proposal, possibly for later reconsideration.

withdrew the suggestion

Focuses on taking back a previously made suggestion, often due to opposition or reconsideration.

gave up on the scheme

Indicates a loss of hope or willingness to continue with a particular scheme.

reversed course on the strategy

Implies a change of direction or approach, specifically concerning a strategy.

ditched the plan

Informal way to say that a plan was dropped, usually because it's no longer feasible.

reneged on the agreement

Suggests a failure to honor a commitment, often related to formal agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "dropped the idea" in a sentence?

You can use "dropped the idea" to indicate that someone has abandoned a plan. For example: "After facing numerous challenges, they "dropped the idea" of opening a new store."

What are some alternatives to "dropped the idea"?

Alternatives include "abandoned the plan", "scrapped the project", or "rejected the notion", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "dropped the idea" or "abandoned the idea"?

"Dropped the idea" and "abandoned the idea" are quite similar. "Abandoned the idea" might imply a more deliberate decision, while "dropped the idea" can suggest a more passive cessation. Both are valid and "dropped the idea" is slightly more informal.

Why might someone "drop the idea" of something?

People might "drop the idea" due to various reasons, such as lack of resources, unforeseen obstacles, shifting priorities, or better alternatives emerging.