entertained the idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entertained the idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the consideration or contemplation of a particular thought or proposal. Example: "After much deliberation, she finally entertained the idea of moving to a new city for her job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But they have entertained the idea of dealing Ewing before.

The New York Times - Sports

I even entertained the idea of a return trip.

The New York Times - Travel

Indeed, Prokopi had entertained the idea of brokering a quiet deal with the Mongolians.

The New Yorker

She entertained the idea that he should resign from the Presidency, but decided against it.

The New Yorker

Some entertained the idea that he would finally tell us who his biological father is.

Independent

We never entertained the idea that China could surpass the US.

The Guardian

There, he performed with the Triangle Club and entertained the idea of entering show business.

The Washington Post

She says her trade group recently entertained the idea of changing the sweetener's name.

The New York Times

Branstad had entertained the idea of running for an unprecedented seventh term in 2018.

The Washington Post

According to USA Today, the company entertained the idea of avocado-flavored Oreos.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ignoring the distinction between entertaining ideas and holding beliefs, this means that we when we entertain the idea of that than which no greater can be conceived, we entertain the idea of a being which exists only in the understanding.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entertained the idea" when you want to convey that someone considered a particular thought or plan, but not necessarily acted upon it. It implies a level of consideration without commitment.

Common error

Avoid using "entertained the idea" when the subject actually took action based on the idea. "Entertained" implies consideration, not execution. Choose a verb that reflects action if the idea was implemented.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entertained the idea" functions as a verb phrase, where "entertained" is the main verb indicating consideration and "the idea" is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "entertained the idea" is a commonly used phrase that signifies consideration of a thought or plan without necessarily implying action. As Ludwig AI verifies, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It's best suited for contexts where you want to indicate that someone gave thought to something but did not necessarily commit to it. Be mindful not to use it when the idea was actually implemented. You can find this phrase frequently used in contexts like news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considered the possibility

Focuses on the potential for something to happen, rather than just thinking about it.

contemplated the notion

Implies a deeper, more thoughtful consideration.

weighed the option

Suggests a careful evaluation of a choice or alternative.

thought about the concept

Highlights the mental process of considering an abstract idea.

mused on the thought

Indicates a more passive and reflective consideration.

explored the prospect

Emphasizes the act of investigating the potential of an idea.

considered the plan

Directly refers to thinking about a specific course of action.

toyed with the notion

Suggests a light or unserious consideration.

reflected on the concept

Implies a thoughtful and extended period of consideration.

pondered the suggestion

Refers to carefully thinking about advice or a proposed idea.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "entertained the idea"?

To say someone "entertained the idea" means they considered it as a possibility, spent some time thinking about it, but didn't necessarily act upon it.

What are some alternatives to "entertained the idea"?

You can use alternatives like "considered the possibility", "contemplated the notion", or "weighed the option" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How formal is the phrase "entertained the idea"?

The phrase "entertained the idea" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Is it correct to say "entertained of the idea" instead of "entertained the idea"?

No, the correct phrasing is "entertained the idea". The preposition "of" is not used in this context. Using "entertained of the idea" would be grammatically incorrect.