establish the idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"establish the idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a particular concept or idea that is being presented in a text, or to introduce a concept that you are presenting. For example, "The essay seeks to establish the idea that free speech is a fundamental right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Dr White is a philosopher, and he sought to establish the idea that a person need not be human.

The Economist

It took successive governments five years, he points out, to establish the idea of private fee-collection.

The Economist

The best that Kasparov could do, in the short term, was to establish the idea of an opposition in the narrow margins provided by the state.

The New Yorker

With a secretariat in London, this small, robust agency worked to establish the idea that "war crimes" could include atrocities perpetrated by tyrants against their own citizens.

The Economist

He seldom found commercial success on Broadway and his works helped to establish the idea of "off-Broadway" fringe venues, where serious theatre could thrive.

The Guardian

The finding changed public health advice, helped establish the idea that smoking in pregnancy is dangerous and has been saving lives ever since.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Classics of English prose, Gibbon's and Smith's books don't just belong to the history of ideas; they helped establish the ideas of history and economics.

The New Yorker

But regulators need to re-establish the idea that intervention is based on rules.

The Economist

But this turned that inside out and said it wasn't the goal; it was the means to another end, and that end was to re-establish the idea of content".

The New York Times - Arts

And Versailles also established the idea of fashion as spectacle.

Princeton University

But it was an American gadget that established the idea of the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "establish the idea", ensure the context clearly indicates what actions or arguments are contributing to the establishment of the concept. Providing specific examples or supporting evidence can strengthen your point.

Common error

Avoid using "establish the idea" without specifying how the idea is being established. Ensure the surrounding text provides concrete details about the process, evidence, or arguments that contribute to the formation or acceptance of the idea. If the surrounding context doesn't provide any information it will sound vague and unconvincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establish the idea" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It indicates the action of making a particular concept, belief, or principle recognized, accepted, or understood. Ludwig's examples show it in use across various contexts to indicate reinforcing or introducing an idea.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "establish the idea" is grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse domains. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase effectively communicates the process of introducing, reinforcing, or validating a concept. Its usage is most prevalent in news, media, and scientific contexts, reflecting its broad applicability in formal and informal discourse. When employing this phrase, ensure the surrounding context clarifies how the idea is being established to enhance clarity and persuasiveness. Alternatives like "introduce the concept" or "demonstrate the concept" can offer nuanced meaning adjustments depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

introduce the concept

Focuses on the initial presentation of the idea, rather than its establishment.

demonstrate the concept

Emphasizes proving the idea through evidence or example.

prove the notion

Implies providing strong evidence to support the idea.

validate the theory

Focuses on confirming the correctness of a theoretical idea.

confirm the hypothesis

Highlights verifying a testable statement.

reinforce the principle

Suggests strengthening an already existing understanding.

argue the point

Focuses on presenting a reasoned case for the idea.

advance the argument

Implies promoting the idea in a persuasive manner.

advocate the position

Suggests publicly supporting and defending the idea.

promote the viewpoint

Focuses on raising awareness and acceptance of the idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "establish the idea" to introduce a new concept or reinforce an existing one, as in: "The research aims to "establish the idea" that early intervention is crucial for long-term success".

What are some alternatives to "establish the idea"?

Alternatives include "introduce the concept", "demonstrate the concept", or "prove the notion", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to "establish the idea" or "validate the idea"?

The choice depends on the context. "Establish the idea" suggests introducing or solidifying a concept, while "validate the idea" implies confirming its correctness through evidence. Use "validate the idea" when something needs to be tested.

What's the difference between "establish the idea" and "formulate the idea"?

"Establish the idea" refers to solidifying or popularizing an existing concept, whereas "formulate the idea" refers to creating or developing the concept in the first place.