fleeting idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fleeting idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a thought or notion that is temporary or quickly passing. Example: "As I was daydreaming, a fleeting idea crossed my mind about a new story I could write."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

This is not a fleeting idea.

TechCrunch

While some will push for strict regulations and tighter privacy and security, others will maintain that personal freedoms are more important than a fleeting idea of safety.

TechCrunch

While you're at it, how about you don't enforce your own fleeting idea of cool on them either?

Vice

She worked for months on different concepts that could bring the popular Instagram account to life, including, a fleeting idea for a pop-up installation in Atlanta.

Vice

Love Wins?" I had a fleeting idea that maybe she really worked at the Starbucks next door, and just happened to wander behind the counter in search of a novelty key chain or $6.99 blank book.

Huffington Post

Cosmo says: "Ask something like 'Hmmm, do you think this countertop would be the right height for me to straddle you?' then wander off as if it were just a fleeting idea".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Ideas happen anywhere, and you want to be able to capture those oft-fleeting ideas before they escape you like that dream you had the other night about...um...it was...uh...well it was really good at the time!

WikiHow

In a time when the anti-government forces got a little too close to being "in charge" of Congress during the $24bn-in-lost-revenues-courtesy-of-Ted-Cruz 24bn-in-lost-revenues-courtesy-of-Ted-Cruz 24bn-in-lost-revenues-courtesy-of-Ted-Cruz 24bn-in-lost-revenues-courtesy-of-Ted-Cruz 24bn-in-lost-revenues-courtesy-of-Ted-Cruz 24bn-in-lost-revenues-courtesy-of-Ted-Cruz 24bn-in-lost-revenues-courtesy-of-Ted-Cruz 24bn-in-lost-revenues-courtesy-of-Ted-Cruz

The Guardian - Opinion

He always carried a pad and a pencil in his coat pocket to catch the fleeting musical ideas he called "jots".

The New Yorker

"My brain is so fleeting, and ideas are really hard to grasp, so painting little glimpses into larger potential storylines helps the viewer tell themselves the missing parts".

Vice

So even though I wrote The Boys are Back in Town [a memoir about the death of Carr's wife from cancer] in around six weeks, with no notion that there was anything remotely filmic about it, there was a moment when I had this fleeting, self-indulgent idea that the book might be transferred to screen.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fleeting idea", consider emphasizing the reason for its transience. Context can add depth and prevent the phrase from sounding vague.

Common error

Avoid using "fleeting idea" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language to convey the concept's temporary or underdeveloped nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fleeting idea" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "fleeting" modifies the noun "idea". It describes the quality of an idea being transient or short-lived. The Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fleeting idea" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression used to describe a transient or short-lived thought. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, its frequency is uncommon, suggesting it's not overused but not extremely prevalent either. The primary contexts are News & Media, Wiki and Science. For formal writing, consider alternatives for more precision. Use "fleeting idea" when the brevity and lack of permanence of an idea are central to the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting thought

Synonymous, but replaces "idea" with "thought".

passing thought

Focuses on the brief duration of the thought.

transient notion

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the idea.

ephemeral concept

Highlights the short-lived quality of the concept.

momentary thought

Underscores the briefness of the thought's existence.

brief inspiration

Refers to a short burst of creative thought.

short-lived concept

Highlights the limited lifespan of the concept.

temporary notion

Stresses the impermanent nature of the notion.

quick idea

Simple term to describe idea that suddenly appeared.

hasty idea

Describe an idea conceived or executed with excessive speed or insufficient deliberation.

FAQs

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

You can use "fleeting idea" to describe a thought that quickly passes through your mind. For example: "I had a "fleeting idea" about starting a new project, but it disappeared as quickly as it came."

What are some alternatives to "fleeting idea"?

Alternatives include "passing thought", "transient notion", or "ephemeral concept", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "fleeting idea" formal or informal?

"Fleeting idea" is suitable for both informal and neutral contexts. For highly formal or academic writing, consider alternatives that offer greater precision, such as "brief inspiration".

What distinguishes "fleeting idea" from "sudden inspiration"?

"Fleeting idea" implies a brief and potentially insubstantial thought, while "sudden inspiration" suggests a burst of creativity or insight. The latter often carries a more positive connotation.