frivolous idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frivolous idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a thought or concept that is considered trivial, silly, or lacking in seriousness. Example: "While some may find it entertaining, I believe that pursuing a frivolous idea like that could waste valuable resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But this week Republican leaders abandoned that frivolous idea.

The New York Times

He said he was not expecting forgiveness; that seemed an almost frivolous idea.

The New York Times

It ponders the question of how an apparently frivolous idea can be made to generate hard cash.

The Economist

Refresh yourself by building in down time where you can play out any frivolous idea that strikes you -- the dafter the better.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

When asked if his bill could result in a flurry of frivolous ideas from his constituents, Mr. Heagney said: "I highly doubt it because of the sophisticated nature of my constituents.

The New York Times

But again, what is alarming is that frivolous ideas with no long-term relevance are all the rage.

TechCrunch

We have 20 year olds flocking to the region to build upon outdated and frivolous ideas.

Huffington Post

In the past, the two have demonstrated a particular talent for taking seemingly frivolous ideas and turning them into smart, self-reflexive hits.

Los Angeles Times

She also referenced Greitens' attempt to get Hawley to recuse himself from the donor list investigation, calling that idea "frivolous".

Huffington Post

Of course frivolous causes and ideas won't generate the organisation, media attention or money to secure enough petition signatures within a set time limit – one idea could be 5% of the electorate in 6 months for instance (some 2.3m signatures needed).

The Guardian

How frivolous, we thought.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When critiquing someone's suggestion, using "frivolous idea" can be seen as dismissive. Consider softening your language by adding qualifiers or explaining your reasoning to avoid sounding overly harsh.

Common error

While "frivolous idea" is perfectly acceptable, relying on it too often can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "trivial notion" or "silly concept" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frivolous idea" functions as a noun phrase, where "frivolous" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "idea". This construction typically serves to characterize or describe a particular idea as being of little importance or lacking in seriousness, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "frivolous idea" is a grammatically sound way to describe an idea considered trivial or lacking seriousness. Although Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its use should be approached with sensitivity, as it can sound dismissive. The phrase appears mainly in neutral contexts such as news and media. While synonyms such as "trivial notion" or "silly concept" can be used, the choice depends on the desired nuance. Considering the context and your audience is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trivial notion

Replaces "idea" with "notion" and "frivolous" with a synonym suggesting insignificance.

silly concept

Substitutes "frivolous" with "silly" and "idea" with "concept", both implying a lack of seriousness.

inane thought

Replaces "frivolous" with "inane", conveying foolishness; "idea" becomes "thought".

idle fancy

Implies a whimsical, impractical idea replacing "frivolous" with a more evocative term.

worthless scheme

Focuses on the lack of value or merit, replacing "frivolous" and "idea" with stronger negative terms.

half-baked plan

Suggests an idea that is poorly thought-out and impractical.

impractical suggestion

Emphasizes the lack of feasibility, replacing "frivolous" with a focus on practicality.

pointless endeavor

Highlights the lack of purpose or benefit, shifting the focus from the idea itself to the action.

futile concept

Implies the idea is doomed to fail, differing slightly in that it emphasizes the lack of positive outcome.

nonsensical proposition

Stresses the lack of logical sense or reason.

FAQs

What does "frivolous idea" mean?

A "frivolous idea" refers to a thought, plan, or concept that is considered trivial, not serious, or lacking in value. It's often used to describe suggestions or proposals that are deemed impractical or a waste of time.

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

You might say, "The committee dismissed his proposal as a "frivolous idea", citing its lack of practicality" or "Spending company funds on such a "frivolous idea" would be irresponsible."

What are some alternatives to "frivolous idea"?

You can use alternatives like "trivial notion", "silly concept", or "impractical suggestion" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to call someone's idea "frivolous"?

While grammatically correct, labeling an idea as "frivolous" can be perceived as dismissive or insulting. Consider softening your language and providing constructive criticism to avoid causing offense. Explain why you believe the idea is not practical or valuable instead of simply dismissing it as "frivolous idea".