expressing idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expressing idea" is not correct in English; it should be "expressing an idea." You can use it when discussing the act of conveying a thought or concept in writing or speech.
Example: "The author excels at expressing an idea clearly and effectively in her essays."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is found that students' overall performances of their communication skill were more than 60% in all 8 elements listed in the evaluation form (response to questions, expressing idea clearly orally and written, organisation, good presentation materials, standard language, able to make conclusion and appearances).

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I love any way of expressing ideas through words.

The New York Times

Elsewhere we'll visit gardeners expressing ideas about equality and opportunities for disadvantaged groups.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's such an eclectic mix of works and media and ways of expressing ideas".

The New York Times

Yes it is: the human face expressing ideas - especially a good face and interesting ideas - is fascinating to watch.

The Guardian

"I get a great deal of pleasure in expressing ideas that way — ideas that go against the current.

The New Yorker

So please let cinema get on with doing what it does best, which is expressing ideas in visual terms".

The Guardian - Film

And you have to create an environment where they can do that, rather than having any fear about expressing ideas.

The New York Times

(For all their quirkiness, Antwerp's curators share their breed's affection for expressing ideas in lots of words).

The Economist

"Expressing ideas and manifesting Salafist opinions is not grounds enough for prosecution," he added.

BBC

Conceivably, therefore, both trends may have drawn "support" from reading the early texts as expressing ideas compatible with their own.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the article "an" before "idea" when using the gerund form: "expressing an idea". This ensures grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid omitting the article "an" before "idea". Saying "expressing idea" is grammatically incorrect and sounds awkward to native English speakers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expressing idea", while grammatically incorrect, functions as a gerund phrase, where "expressing" is a verb acting as a noun. It attempts to describe the action of conveying a thought or concept. However, Ludwig AI correctly identifies the missing article.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "expressing idea" may seem intuitive, it's grammatically incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI points out, the correct form is "expressing an idea". When writing or speaking, it's crucial to include the indefinite article "an" to ensure grammatical accuracy. Alternative phrases such as "articulating a thought" or "conveying a concept" can also be used to express similar meanings, offering a workaround if you wish to avoid using the article. Remember to always prioritize grammatical correctness in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expressing an idea

Adding the indefinite article "an" corrects the grammatical structure and makes the phrase standard English.

articulating a thought

"Articulating" implies a clear and effective way of conveying a thought, focusing on clarity and precision.

conveying a concept

"Conveying" suggests transmitting a concept to someone else. It focuses on the act of communication.

communicating a notion

"Communicating" broadens the scope to include various means of conveying a notion, be it verbal or non-verbal.

putting forth an idea

This phrase emphasizes the act of presenting or suggesting an idea for consideration.

sharing a thought

"Sharing" emphasizes the act of making a thought known to others, often implying a collaborative context.

voicing an opinion

"Voicing" refers specifically to expressing an opinion or viewpoint.

presenting a viewpoint

Focuses on formally offering a specific perspective or position.

outlining a concept

"Outlining" suggests providing a structured overview of a concept.

formulating a thought

"Formulating" implies the careful and deliberate creation of a thought or idea.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the phrase "expressing idea"?

The correct form is "expressing an idea". Consider using alternatives like "articulating a thought" or "conveying a concept" if you want to avoid the article.

What's the difference between "expressing idea" and "expressing an idea"?

"Expressing idea" is grammatically incorrect due to the missing article. "Expressing an idea" is the correct and standard English form. Use the latter in your writing and speech.

Are there situations where "expressing idea" is acceptable?

No, "expressing idea" is generally not acceptable in standard English. Always use "expressing an idea" or rephrase the sentence to use a different construction.

What are some alternatives to "expressing an idea"?

You can use phrases like "articulating a thought", "conveying a concept", or "communicating a notion", depending on the specific context.