formation of an idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'formation of an idea' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of forming an idea, concept, opinion, etc. For example: The formation of an idea begins with the collection of information.

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite the ongoing disagreements, there is consensus that Desgabets held that the eternal truths are contingent not necessary, rejected hyperbolic doubt and pure intellection, and insisted on the necessary role of sensible signs in the formation of all ideas.

SEP

Because the formation of every simple idea is always preceded by the experience of a corresponding simple impression, and because the experience of every simple impression is always followed by the formation of a corresponding simple idea, it follows, according to Hume, that simple impressions are the causes of their corresponding simple ideas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More interesting perhaps is to trace Picasso's impact on the formation of a specifically British idea of modernism.

The Guardian - Arts

She has been the initiator and principal investigator of several projects on social aspects of the Russian political system, the formation of a Russian national idea, political behavior in social media, and city governance.

Columbia University

The Fuzzy Front End begins with the initial search for new opportunities, through the formation of a germ of an idea to the development of a precise concept.

Procedia CIRP

These results indicated that Abi-1 and NESH/Abi-3 are independent of each other as to the formation of an oligomer, supporting the idea that Abi-1 and NESH/Abi-3 create distinct WAVE2 complexes.

Cell Communication and Signaling

The transition from this "subjective" time (Ich-Zeit) to the time-concept of pre-scientific thought is connected with the formation of the idea that there is a real external world independent of the subject.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such a view was central to the formation of the idea of race, with religion and so-called science seeing the "Ethiopian" as degraded and devolved from whites.

The New Yorker

This discussion is a peculiar and distinctive aspect of the Abrahamic traditions, particularly of Christianity in those tumultuous credal controversies that accompanied the formation of the idea of orthodoxy and the corresponding idea of heresy.

The Guardian - Opinion

As we saw when considering philosophies of taste and the formation of the idea of the aesthetic, the literal sense of taste has customarily never been considered a truly "aesthetic" sense, its pleasures and mode of apprehension being too bodily and sensuous to qualify.

SEP

An idea of formation of a QD array, which would combine advantages of a single QD with benefits of a dense array, seems to be the most promising.a Controllable ordering of clusters in all three directions would enable creation of a volumetric crystal in which QDs play a role of atoms.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "formation of an idea", clearly outline the context or factors that contributed to its development to provide a comprehensive understanding.

Common error

Instead of simply stating the "formation of an idea", specify which idea you're discussing and its relevance to the topic at hand for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formation of an idea" functions as a noun phrase that describes the process or act of creating or developing a new idea. As Ludwig highlights, it signifies the start or development of a concept or thought.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formation of an idea" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the process of developing an idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid, referring to the beginning stages of a concept. While examples are currently limited, it's clear that the phrase is best suited for neutral to formal contexts, such as academic or professional settings. Related phrases like "genesis of an idea" or "development of a concept" offer alternative ways to express similar meanings, each with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genesis of an idea

Emphasizes the origin or beginning of the idea.

conception of an idea

Implies the creation or devising of an idea.

emergence of an idea

Highlights the idea coming into existence or becoming known.

birth of a concept

Evokes the image of a new concept coming into being.

development of a concept

Focuses on the gradual growth and refinement of a concept.

origination of a thought

Stresses the source or starting point of a thought.

rise of an idea

Highlights the idea's ascent or increasing importance.

inception of a notion

Refers to the very beginning or start of a notion.

evolution of a thought

Focuses on the gradual change and development of a thought over time.

crystallization of a concept

Implies the concept is becoming more clear and defined.

FAQs

How can I use "formation of an idea" in a sentence?

You can use "formation of an idea" to describe the process by which a thought or concept takes shape. For instance, "The research explores the factors influencing the "formation of an idea" about climate change."

What is a good substitute for "formation of an idea"?

Alternatives include "genesis of an idea", "development of a concept", or "emergence of an idea". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "formation of an idea" or "idea formation"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "idea formation" is more concise and often preferred in scientific or technical writing. "Formation of an idea" may be used for emphasis or in more descriptive contexts.

What are some key elements in the "formation of an idea"?

Key elements may include initial observation, information gathering, critical analysis, creative synthesis, and iterative refinement. These elements contribute to the progressive "formation of an idea".