float the idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"float the idea" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Generally, it means to present or introduce a concept or plan for discussion or consideration. For example, you could say, "I want to float the idea of expanding our volunteer program to include more community outreach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

show, partly to float the idea of doing one.

The New York Times

Is it time to float the idea of a 300mph hover train?

The Times

"Intermittently," Mr. Johnson said, "I'd float the idea of Hamilton Terrace".

The New York Times

Under Vince Cable, the Lib Dems will float the idea of a deal with Labour.

The Guardian

A spokesman for Putin had also contacted the NYT's Moscow bureau to float the idea, Rosenthal said.

The Guardian

They all float the idea of basic guaranteed incomes for everyone, or tax credits to supplement low-wage workers.

The Guardian - Tech

Yet agency officials decided to float the idea of eliminating the tapes on Capitol Hill, hoping for political cover.

The New York Times

It is perhaps an appropriate time to float the idea of a charter for Gaza as an independent city-state.

The New York Times

He called Ms. Wasko on a Tuesday night to float the idea and was met with dead silence.

The New York Times

Senator Charles E. Schumer, Democrat of New York, began to float the idea of the millionaires' tax cut a few weeks ago.

The New York Times

Given his and Grylls' compatibility, might I be the first to float the idea of the Prime Minister taking part in a future episode.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "float the idea", consider your audience and the context. This phrase is generally appropriate for professional and informal settings, but might be too casual for highly formal or academic writing. Consider if a more direct term like "propose" or "suggest" might be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "float the idea" excessively in formal reports or academic papers. While acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound less authoritative. Opt for more formal alternatives like "propose" or "introduce" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "float the idea" functions as a verb phrase, specifically acting as an idiomatic expression used to introduce a concept or suggestion for consideration. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its function is further exemplified in Ludwig's examples, which demonstrate its use in various contexts to present proposals or suggestions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "float the idea" is a commonly used idiomatic expression that means to introduce a concept or suggestion for consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. While generally acceptable in professional settings, it may be too informal for academic or highly formal writing. When considering alternatives, phrases like "propose the concept" or "suggest the notion" may be more suitable for formal contexts. Remember to assess your audience and the context to choose the most appropriate phrase for your writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

propose the concept

Focuses on the act of suggesting something for consideration, emphasizing the formal presentation of the concept.

suggest the notion

Similar to "propose the concept" but may imply a less formal or tentative offering of the idea.

put forward the suggestion

Emphasizes the act of presenting an idea for evaluation or action.

introduce the proposal

Highlights the initial presentation of a plan or scheme.

present the plan

Focuses on the delivery of a structured plan, often implying a detailed approach.

broach the subject

Implies carefully and tentatively introducing a topic, especially one that might be sensitive.

raise the question

Highlights the act of bringing up an issue or topic for discussion or debate.

table the motion

Specifically refers to introducing a formal proposal in a meeting or formal setting.

advance the theory

Suggests the presentation of a theoretical idea, often in an academic or scientific context.

offer the thought

Implies a brief or casual presentation of an idea, often as a contribution to a discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "float the idea" in a sentence?

You can use "float the idea" to introduce a suggestion or concept for consideration, as in, "I wanted to float the idea of having a team-building event next quarter".

What's a more formal alternative to "float the idea"?

For more formal contexts, consider using "propose the concept", "suggest the notion", or "introduce the proposal".

Is "float the idea" appropriate for academic writing?

While "float the idea" is generally understood, it may be too informal for academic writing. More suitable options include "advance the theory" or "present the plan", which convey a more academic tone.

What does it mean to "float an idea"?

To "float an idea" means to introduce it tentatively, often to gauge reactions or assess its feasibility. It implies a preliminary suggestion rather than a fully developed plan.