exact idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exact idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize that a concept or thought is precise and unambiguous. Example: "I need you to convey your exact idea so that we can move forward with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

If I end up recreating the exact idea, at least I will have done it with impunity".

The Guardian

The buyer can have the plans, and they also usually have an exact idea of what it would cost".

The New York Times

(Philip Roth writes about this exact idea in several novels, perhaps most movingly in "American Pastoral," and most histrionically in "The Plot Against America").

The New Yorker

"It's only when I press my eye against the camera and begin to move the actors that I get an exact idea of the scene," he wrote.

The New York Times

Freud was a frequent visitor to the Gallery and had an exact idea of the impact that this bequest would make".

Independent

Still, those in the business community who have worked with Falwell have a fairly exact idea of where he stands; at least, they know enough to know that they do not go along with everything he does.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

This is "out" music -- i.e., on the free-improvisation side -- commandeered by a guy who has very exact ideas about what he's trying to accomplish.

The New York Times

"And so, they are completely in a universe in which they are hearing the same exact ideas, the same arguments, the same limited amount of data repeated over and over and over again.

Independent

Don't copy its style or use its exact ideas, but let it serve as your inspirational example.

WikiHow

Though SDM cannot get the exact estimation, the idea of SDM still can be used to get an approximate estimation, and the estimation error is about 1/2 N [11].

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

MonDocteur started five years ago with the exact same idea in mind.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "exact idea", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the idea precise or accurate. Avoid vagueness by providing specific details or examples.

Common error

Avoid using "exact idea" when the concept is still evolving or subject to interpretation. Using the phrase in such contexts can mislead the reader into believing the idea is more concrete than it is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exact idea" functions as a noun phrase, where "exact" modifies the noun "idea". It specifies the type of idea being discussed, emphasizing its precision and clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exact idea" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that denotes a precise and clearly defined concept. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, from news articles to scientific papers, where clarity and specificity are paramount. While alternatives like "precise notion" or "specific concept" exist, "exact idea" effectively conveys the intention of a well-defined understanding. When using this phrase, ensure the context provides sufficient detail to support the claim of precision, avoiding any overstatement of clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precise notion

Emphasizes the accuracy and sharpness of the concept.

specific concept

Highlights the particularity and defined nature of the idea.

accurate understanding

Focuses on the correctness and completeness of comprehension.

clear concept

Stresses the unambiguous and easily understood nature of the idea.

detailed concept

Highlights the comprehensive and thorough aspect of the idea.

well-defined idea

Emphasizes the clarity and distinctness of the idea.

precise understanding

Focuses on accuracy and exactness in comprehension.

distinct notion

Highlights the unique and clear nature of the idea.

particular concept

Emphasizes the specificity and individual character of the idea.

explicit idea

Stresses that the idea is clearly and fully expressed, leaving no room for ambiguity.

FAQs

How can I use "exact idea" in a sentence?

You can use "exact idea" to emphasize that a concept or thought is precise and unambiguous. For example, "Before starting the project, I need to understand your "exact idea" of the desired outcome."

What are some alternatives to "exact idea"?

Alternatives include "precise notion", "specific concept", or "accurate understanding". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very exact idea"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "very exact idea" can be redundant. "Exact" already implies a high degree of precision. Using alternatives like "precise notion" or "highly specific concept" may be more effective.

How does "exact idea" differ from "general concept"?

"Exact idea" suggests a well-defined and detailed understanding, whereas "general concept" implies a broader, less specific understanding. For instance, having a "general concept" of climate change is different from having an "exact idea" of its specific effects on coastal regions.