foreign idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"foreign idea" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a concept or thought that is unfamiliar and strange, or that comes from a different culture, language, or place. For example: This foreign idea of meditation comes from ancient Eastern religions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"For me it was not a foreign idea," he said.

The New York Times - Food

Unlike the American presence in Bosnia, or indeed any other recent American military intervention, the undertaking in Iraq is as much about imposing or inspiring a foreign idea -- Western democracy in the Middle East -- as it is about keeping the peace or changing the guard.

The New York Times

In Bloody Foreigners, Robert Winder's superlative study of British immigration, he suggests: '"Englishness" is by definition a foreign idea - a silhouette visible only from afar... national identity is often a statement of opposition to outside forces; a form of protest.' Powell's speech was a definitive statement of opposition, an anguished howl of protest.

The Guardian

Now there's a foreign idea.

TechCrunch

Dipping their toes in e-commerce isn't a completely foreign idea to newspapers.

TechCrunch

"Watch a tadpole go through its changing in order to allow the students to observe this foreign idea I am placing before them.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

It is accumulating wealth much faster than it is absorbing foreign ideas.

The New York Times - Books

THROUGHOUT its history Japan has oscillated between openness to foreign ideas and fierce isolationism.

The Economist

Then Brock came "blazing back into town with strange, foreign ideas".

The New Yorker

Iraq had relatively few Christians, and those few had had little exposure to foreign ideas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bombarded by foreign ideas, Chinese began to look askance at Taoism's unstructured beliefs.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "foreign idea" to describe concepts that are not part of the common understanding or cultural norms of a specific group. It is effective when emphasizing the external or unfamiliar nature of an idea.

Common error

Avoid using "foreign idea" when the concept might be new to you but is well-established elsewhere. Ensure it truly represents something unfamiliar in the specific context you're writing about.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foreign idea" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "foreign" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "idea". Ludwig AI confirms its usability and common usage in written English. The phrase typically identifies a concept originating from a different culture or unfamiliar context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "foreign idea" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a concept that is unfamiliar, often originating from a different culture or context. Ludwig AI highlights its general usability. It is found most frequently in news and media sources, and less commonly in formal business settings. Related phrases, such as ""alien concept"" or ""unfamiliar notion"", offer subtle variations in meaning. When using this phrase, consider whether it truly represents something unfamiliar in the context, and be sensitive to cultural implications. Avoiding overgeneralization and understanding its specific function are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alien concept

Replaces "foreign" with "alien", stressing the concept's unfamiliar and perhaps unsettling nature.

unfamiliar notion

Substitutes "foreign" with "unfamiliar" and "idea" with "notion", highlighting the lack of prior exposure.

external concept

Emphasizes the idea's origin from outside one's own frame of reference.

novel idea

Highlights the newness and originality of the idea.

exotic concept

Implies that the idea originates from a distant or culturally different place.

strange notion

Indicates that the idea is unusual or peculiar.

unconventional thought

Focuses on the idea deviating from the norm or standard.

imported concept

Suggests that the idea has been brought in from another place or system.

newfangled idea

Highlights the novelty and potential trendiness of the idea.

unaccustomed concept

Emphasizes the lack of familiarity or experience with the idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "foreign idea" to describe a concept that is unfamiliar or comes from a different culture. For example, "The concept of communal living was a "foreign idea" to the suburban families."

What are some alternatives to "foreign idea"?

Alternatives include "alien concept", "unfamiliar notion", or "exotic concept", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "foreign idea" in formal writing?

Yes, "foreign idea" is appropriate for formal writing as long as it accurately describes a concept that is genuinely unfamiliar within the given context. Be mindful of potential cultural sensitivities.

What's the difference between "foreign idea" and "bizarre idea"?

"Foreign idea" emphasizes the external origin or unfamiliarity of a concept. "Bizarre idea", on the other hand, emphasizes the strangeness or oddity of the concept, regardless of its origin.