entertain this idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entertain this idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that someone consider or think about a particular concept or proposal. Example: "Before we make a decision, I would like you to entertain this idea of expanding our product line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Of course, getting businesses to entertain this idea – and they will naturally be resistant – will require a lot of work.

The Guardian - Business

If we are willing to entertain this idea as a proposal then it would suggest that rather than thinking of lexis only as most delicate grammar, we can think of lexis as most local context.

Functional Linguistics

The idea "really existent Santa Claus" encodes the property of real existence; but it is perfectly possible to entertain this idea without attributing real existence to Santa Claus, i.e., without believing that Santa Claus really exists.

SEP

"I think it's a testament to what we've been able to accomplish here in the AVP, to even have [FIVB] entertain this idea," Sun said.

Los Angeles Times

If Planet Granite were to entertain this idea and allow the rink to coexist, the Los Angeles community would wholeheartedly embrace their arrival and PG would not only salvage their current PR problem, they would show Angelenos that they do in fact care about the cultural ecosystem which they are literally planning to destroy upon arrival.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Now, entertaining this idea or possessing this concept requires the entertainer or possessor to recognise certain relationships which hold between given properties and the idea or concept in question.

SEP

The President, Reuven Rivlin, concerned about the integrity of civil society and its judicial institutions, is reported to be entertaining this idea.

The New Yorker

But based on Judge Walker's logic — which suggests that any such distinction is bigoted and un-American — I don't think a society that declares gay marriage to be a fundamental right will be capable of even entertaining this idea.

The New York Times

Most of us have entertained this idea for long enough to be sceptical.

BBC

A number of linguists and philosophers have entertained this idea in recent years, including Kempson (1975), Breheney (1999), Szabó (2000), Zvolensky (1997), Ludlow and Segal (2003) and a version of the idea is at least considered in Heim (1982) and Kamp and Reyle (1993).

SEP

I've entertained this idea because in this part of the movie, the portrayal of each of the emotions is remarkably different than those of Riley.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entertain this idea" when you want someone to give genuine consideration to a suggestion, even if they are initially resistant.

Common error

Avoid using "entertain this idea" sarcastically or when you're not genuinely open to considering the suggestion. Sarcastic usage can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entertain this idea" functions as a directive, urging someone to consider a specific concept or suggestion. As shown by Ludwig, it suggests opening one's mind to a possibility, even if initially hesitant.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "entertain this idea" is a directive used to encourage consideration of a specific concept or proposal. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and appears in various sources, primarily news and media, and science. While not overly common, as shown in Ludwig AI analysis, its meaning is clear, and its intent is to promote open-mindedness. Alternatives include "consider this concept" and "explore this possibility", depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, ensure that you are genuinely open to the suggestion you are asking others to consider.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consider this concept

Replaces "entertain" with "consider", focusing on thoughtful deliberation.

explore this possibility

Substitutes "entertain" with "explore", emphasizing investigation.

contemplate this notion

Replaces "entertain" with "contemplate", highlighting deep thought.

ponder this suggestion

Substitutes "entertain" with "ponder", suggesting a careful assessment.

give this some thought

Replaces "entertain this idea" with a more general invitation for reflection.

be open to this thought

Focuses on receptiveness to the idea.

accept this premise

Replaces "entertain" with "accept", which suggest a provisional agreement.

indulge this thought

Uses "indulge" instead of "entertain", to mean that the thought may be incorrect.

consider this proposal

Emphasizes the formal aspect of the "idea".

think about this concept

Uses a more common synonym for "entertain"

FAQs

What does "entertain this idea" mean?

To "entertain this idea" means to consider it, think about it, or be willing to accept it, at least temporarily, for the sake of discussion or evaluation.

How can I use "entertain this idea" in a sentence?

You might say, "Before rejecting the proposal outright, I urge you to "entertain this idea" and see if it has merit."

What's a more formal way to say "entertain this idea"?

A more formal alternative could be "consider this concept" or "explore this possibility".

Is "entertain this idea" the same as believing it?

No, "entertaining this idea" doesn't mean you believe it's true or valid. It simply means you're willing to give it some thought or consideration.