foster the idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"foster the idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that you are taking some kind of action in order to support and promote a particular concept, opinion, or idea. Example: Our organization strives to foster the idea of taking care of our environment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The president's advisers, like David Axelrod, are working overtime to foster the idea that Mr. Romney is not a man of the people.

The New York Times

But no public debate.The PAD hopes a royal imprimatur will foster the idea that "Black October" was all about police brutality.

The Economist

He bought a peck of the red stones to add to the collection and foster the idea that garnets and diamonds were found in the same region.

The New Yorker

And under that dispensation it's in nobody's interest, especially those in power, to encourage or foster the idea that there's any class difference".

The Guardian - Books

THE most controversial philosophical conceit of the clock may be that it was deliberately designed to require human winding, an idea meant to foster the idea of responsibility.

The New York Times

Since most foreign journalists continue to be barred from the country by the government and information provided by activists therefore cannot be independently verified, the authorities have helped to foster the idea that the truth in Syria is almost unknowable.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Don't stop coming up with great ideas, but use your brilliance to foster the ideas of others and bring them up to your level without drawing the ire of the people you have to work with on a daily basis.

Huffington Post

"Amazon has successfully fostered the idea that a book is a thing of minimal value," Johnson said.

The New Yorker

He has been utterly dismissive of climate change, and he has fostered the idea that vaccines cause autism.

The New Yorker

This activity fostered the idea of a network of friends who had financial stakes in promoting each other's careers.

The Guardian - Tech

For a time, she says, she lived in fear about the channel, even though she had fostered the idea for OWN for the better part of 20 years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "foster the idea" when you want to emphasize active support and promotion of a particular concept or belief.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "foster the idea" in highly formal contexts. While generally acceptable, consider more sophisticated synonyms like "cultivate", "propagate", or "instill" to add nuance and precision to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foster the idea" functions as a verb phrase, with "foster" acting as a transitive verb that takes "the idea" as its object. It describes the action of encouraging or promoting a particular concept or belief. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foster the idea" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys the action of promoting and encouraging a specific concept. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English writing. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, this phrase can be replaced with synonyms like "promote the concept" or "encourage the belief" to add variety to your writing. When using "foster the idea", ensure it aligns with the intended nuance, as it implies a deliberate effort to cultivate understanding and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

promote the concept

Replaces "foster" with "promote" emphasizing active support and advocacy.

encourage the belief

Substitutes "foster" with "encourage" focusing on inspiring confidence in the idea.

cultivate the notion

Replaces "foster" with "cultivate" suggesting a gradual development and nurturing of the idea.

advance the proposition

Substitutes "foster" with "advance" highlighting the act of moving the idea forward.

propagate the thought

Replaces "foster" with "propagate" focusing on spreading the idea widely.

instill the understanding

Substitutes "foster" with "instill" emphasizing the process of implanting the idea deeply.

nurture the vision

Replaces "foster" with "nurture" focusing on providing care and support for the idea to grow.

develop the mindset

Substitutes "idea" with "mindset" shifting the focus to a broader perspective or attitude.

foment the opinion

Replaces "foster" with "foment", implying the stirring up of an opinion, often with a negative connotation.

bolster the assumption

Substitutes "foster" with "bolster", indicating the strengthening of an existing, but potentially weak, assumption.

FAQs

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

You can use "foster the idea" to describe actions taken to encourage or promote a particular concept. For example, "The program aims to foster the idea that education is essential for success".

What are some alternatives to saying "foster the idea"?

You can use alternatives like "promote the concept", "encourage the belief", or "cultivate the notion" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "foster the idea" or "promote the idea"?

Both "foster the idea" and "promote the idea" are correct. "Foster" suggests nurturing and supporting growth, while "promote" emphasizes active advocacy and spreading awareness. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "fostering the idea" and "having the idea"?

"Fostering the idea" implies actively supporting and developing a concept, while "having the idea" simply means conceiving or originating the concept. Fostering involves more active engagement and promotion.