express ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'express ideas' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are referring to communicating thoughts or concepts through words, writing, or speech. For example: "She has a gift for expressing her ideas eloquently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After all, we already employ punctuation to more clearly express ideas.

Independent

The EHRC said freedom to hold a religion and express ideas were "essential British values.

The Guardian

Frank Lloyd Wright famously observed: "Architecture is the scientific art of making structure express ideas".

The New York Times - Arts

"They are free to express ideas, but I reject them," he said.

The New York Times

"I think there's somewhere left to go, for women to express ideas together, and it's totally untapped," she says.

The Guardian - Music

They are making objects not just for practical value but to express ideas in a symbolic, highly skilful manner".

The Guardian

Rather, she tells of a large furniture company where the culture has always encouraged people to express ideas and differences.

The New York Times

Over the years, modernist writers such as Shen Congwen, Lu Xun, and Qian Zhongshu drew on Freud to express ideas about individuality, but his following was limited.

The New Yorker

I often express ideas in my work related to current affairs and on a weekly basis I tend to read 'The Economist' and the weekend 'Financial Times'.

Independent

Orwell criticized Kipling on many worthy grounds; nevertheless, Orwell acknowledged, Kipling was somehow able to express ideas and emotions in words that stuck.

The New York Times

And words are how we express ideas, so tracing their origin, development and spread is not merely an academic pursuit but a window into a society's intellectual evolution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "express ideas", consider the specific context to choose the most accurate and impactful way to convey your intended meaning. For instance, "articulate concepts" might be better suited for academic writing, while "voice opinions" is ideal for expressing personal views.

Common error

While "express ideas" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "articulate concepts" or "convey thoughts" to enhance readability and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express ideas" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "express" is the transitive verb and "ideas" is the direct object. It signifies the action of conveying thoughts, opinions, or concepts. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "express ideas" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying thoughts and concepts. As affirmed by Ludwig, it is correct and widely applicable in various contexts. Predominantly found in news, media, scientific and wiki sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. For enhanced writing, consider using synonyms like "articulate concepts" or "convey thoughts" to avoid repetition. Overall, "express ideas" is a versatile and reliable choice for articulating thoughts in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

convey thoughts

Focuses on the transmission of thoughts, which is a more internal process than expressing ideas.

communicate thoughts

Broader term that includes all forms of communication, not just ideas.

articulate concepts

Emphasizes the clarity and precision in presenting abstract concepts.

voice opinions

Highlights the act of sharing personal opinions or beliefs publicly.

share views

Implies a more open and collaborative exchange of perspectives.

air views

To express your views or opinions in a public setting.

present arguments

Focuses on the logical and persuasive aspect of communicating ideas.

put forward notions

Suggests introducing new or innovative ideas for consideration.

disseminate knowledge

Highlights the act of spreading knowledge or information widely.

propagate beliefs

Implies actively promoting or spreading certain beliefs or doctrines.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "express ideas"?

You can use alternatives like "convey thoughts", "articulate concepts", or "voice opinions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "express ideas" effectively in a sentence?

Ensure the subject clearly indicates who is expressing the ideas and that the sentence's context provides clarity about the type and purpose of the ideas being expressed. For example, "The artist used vibrant colors to express abstract ideas."

Is it better to use "express thoughts" or "express ideas"?

The choice depends on the context. "Express thoughts" refers more to internal mental processes, while "express ideas" suggests a more developed and articulated concept. Use "express thoughts" when referring to sharing internal reflections, and "express ideas" when referring to sharing formed concepts.

What is the difference between "express ideas" and "communicate ideas"?

"Express ideas" focuses on the act of formulating and conveying thoughts or concepts, whereas "communicate ideas" is a broader term that encompasses all methods of sharing information, including non-verbal methods.