entertain ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

"entertain ideas" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of considering or exploring different thoughts or possibilities. Example: It is important to be open-minded and entertain ideas that may challenge your beliefs or opinions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It provides a chance to entertain ideas and concepts that would not ordinarily be considered.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Are these "bad guys" so bad that they entertain ideas of a perfidious attack against Old Europe?

The New York Times

But building a Republican Party that can entertain ideas and pass laws with far-reaching answers to the country's problems is harder than winning an election.

The New Yorker

The development is a shift for both sides, who had refused to entertain ideas on how to end a two-month walkout that has battered the economy.

The New York Times

Music, being non-referential, tends to inflame our irrationality; we can be blinded by the glare of its sublimity, and spurred to entertain "ideas" that wither in the cold silence of day.

The New Yorker

Soloway's production company is called Topple (as in "topple the patriarchy", according to the aforementioned profile), and now Transparent is beginning to entertain ideas of gender as an oppressive societal construct.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

I even entertained ideas of being a shepherdess in New Zealand.

The Guardian - Film

The school unashamedly entertains ideas about Roman Catholics and African-Americans that should indeed give every American pause.

The New York Times

But he still entertained ideas of going into medicine--or studying law, like his father, or English literature, like his mother.

Science Magazine

That Francis Crick, the father of Central Dogma, entertained ideas extending beyond its boundaries, is not surprising and serves to illustrate that the better you know a concept, the more you see its limitations.

Biology Direct

And this was nothing less than to abandon every previously entertained idea about the structure of space and time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entertain ideas" when you want to convey a willingness to consider new or different perspectives, even if you don't necessarily agree with them. It suggests an open-minded approach.

Common error

Be careful not to imply that "entertaining ideas" means you endorse them. It simply means you are willing to consider them. If you want to show endorsement, use stronger language like "embracing ideas" or "supporting concepts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entertain ideas" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "entertain" acts as a transitive verb taking "ideas" as its direct object. It describes the action of considering or being receptive to different concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "entertain ideas" is a useful expression for conveying openness to considering different viewpoints. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to ensure the context makes clear you are considering an idea and not necessarily endorsing it. Alternatives like "consider notions" or "explore concepts" may offer subtle differences in emphasis. Ultimately, "entertain ideas" is a versatile phrase for expressing receptiveness and encouraging dialogue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consider notions

Focuses on the act of thinking deeply about different concepts, placing emphasis on thoughtful examination rather than simple amusement.

explore concepts

Highlights a deeper investigation of ideas, implying a more thorough and analytical approach than simply "entertaining" them.

consider possibilities

Emphasizes evaluating options and hypothetical scenarios, rather than just considering ideas in a general sense.

explore avenues

Highlights the investigation of different methods, courses of action or opportunities.

consider viewpoints

Focuses specifically on assessing different perspectives or opinions, rather than just general ideas.

ponder concepts

Implies a prolonged and thoughtful consideration of ideas, emphasizing introspection.

mull over ideas

Suggests a slow and deliberate consideration of various ideas, often over a period of time.

contemplate concepts

Involves deep and careful thought, often with a sense of reverence or awe.

play with notions

Suggests a lighthearted and experimental approach to ideas, implying a lack of serious commitment.

fantasize about notions

Implies imagining or daydreaming about concepts, rather than engaging with them practically.

FAQs

How can I use "entertain ideas" in a sentence?

Use "entertain ideas" to suggest a willingness to consider different perspectives. For example: "It's crucial to "entertain ideas" from all team members during the brainstorming session."

What does it mean to "entertain ideas"?

To "entertain ideas" means to be open to considering new concepts or perspectives, even if they differ from your own. It implies a willingness to engage with different viewpoints without necessarily accepting them.

What are some synonyms for "entertain ideas"?

Alternatives to "entertain ideas" include "consider notions", "explore concepts", and "contemplate concepts", depending on the desired nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "entertain ideas" in writing?

The phrase "entertain ideas" is suitable in contexts where open-mindedness and a willingness to explore different perspectives are valued. It's appropriate in discussions, debates, and problem-solving scenarios.