far-fetched idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far-fetched idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a concept or notion that seems unlikely or implausible. Example: "The proposal to build a city on Mars is considered a far-fetched idea by many scientists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

This is not a far-fetched idea.

The Economist

It is not an entirely far-fetched idea.

The New York Times

Ignoring the seemingly far-fetched idea of armed citizens everywhere could be a deadly mistake.

The New York Times

Executives from RealNetworks, for example, say that technical parity is not such a far-fetched idea.

The New York Times

But Ms Le Pen in the Elysée Palace is no longer a far-fetched idea.

The Guardian - Opinion

At that point it was a completely far-fetched idea but it became a reality".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

George, exhilerated by his success, believed that his most trivial and far-fetched ideas were godlike.

The New York Times - Books

Murakami is normally a master of rendering even the most far-fetched ideas strangely plausible, but here he stumbles.

The New York Times - Books

As far-fetched ideas about the survey ricocheted around the Internet, they realized that manna was falling on them from heaven.

The New York Times

Gender-swapping, random GBH, implied incest, and sexual comedy all make an appearance – but none of these seem far-fetched ideas to me, and certainly not dystopian nightmares.

The Guardian

When he's low on cash, he sells off a hundred invisible-dog leashes at $20 apiece; boxes of them still sit in the basement, a testament to the tenacity of far-fetched ideas.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "far-fetched idea", consider providing context or explanation to clarify why the idea might seem improbable. This can help manage expectations and prevent misunderstanding.

Common error

Avoid using "far-fetched idea" as a dismissive label without providing a rationale. If you're criticizing an idea, explain why it's unrealistic or impractical rather than simply labeling it as such.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far-fetched idea" functions as a noun phrase, where "far-fetched" modifies the noun "idea". It describes a particular attribute or quality of the idea, indicating its improbability or unreality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "far-fetched idea" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an idea that is unlikely or unrealistic. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, expressing skepticism or doubt. While synonyms like "implausible notion" or "unlikely concept" exist, they carry slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, remember to provide context to clarify the perceived improbability and avoid using it dismissively without proper justification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implausible notion

Emphasizes the lack of believability or plausibility.

unlikely concept

Highlights the low probability of the idea being true or feasible.

outlandish proposition

Implies the idea is bizarre or unconventional.

fantastic notion

Suggests the idea is imaginative but not grounded in reality.

baseless assumption

Highlights the lack of foundation or support for the idea.

wild guess

Suggests the idea is based on speculation rather than evidence.

absurd suggestion

Highlights the irrational or illogical nature of the idea.

preposterous claim

Emphasizes the outrageous and unbelievable nature of the statement.

untenable theory

Focuses on the idea's inability to be defended or maintained.

pipe dream

Conveys the idea is unrealistic and unlikely to materialize.

FAQs

How can I use "far-fetched idea" in a sentence?

You can use "far-fetched idea" to describe something that seems unlikely or unrealistic. For example, "His plan to travel to the moon using only balloons seemed like a "far-fetched idea" to everyone he knew".

What's a more formal way to say "far-fetched idea"?

A more formal alternative to "far-fetched idea" could be "implausible notion" or "unlikely concept". These phrases are suitable for academic or professional writing.

Is it always negative to call something a "far-fetched idea"?

While often negative, implying disbelief or impracticality, calling something a "far-fetched idea" isn't always dismissive. It can also acknowledge creativity or imagination, while still recognizing low probability. Consider alternatives like "outlandish proposition" or "fantastic notion" to soften the tone.

What is the difference between a "far-fetched idea" and a "wild guess"?

A ""far-fetched idea"" is an idea that is unlikely to be true or to happen, while a "wild guess" is a guess that is made without any real evidence or knowledge. A wild guess often implies a lack of serious consideration, while a far-fetched idea might involve imagination but still lack practicality.