frivolous ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frivolous ideas" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe thoughts or concepts that are considered trivial, silly, or lacking in seriousness. Example: "While brainstorming for the project, we came up with several frivolous ideas that made us laugh but ultimately weren't practical."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

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We have 20 year olds flocking to the region to build upon outdated and frivolous ideas.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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 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

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

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

Huffington Post

How frivolous, we thought.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing ideas, use "frivolous ideas" to gently dismiss concepts that lack serious consideration without being overly harsh. For instance, in a brainstorming session, you might say, "Let's set aside the more "frivolous ideas" for now and focus on practical solutions."

Common error

While "frivolous ideas" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal documents or presentations where a more direct and professional tone is required. Instead, consider alternatives like "impractical proposals" or "unrealistic concepts" to maintain credibility and seriousness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frivolous ideas" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "frivolous" modifies the noun "ideas". It describes ideas that are considered trivial, not serious, or lacking in value. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Tech

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "frivolous ideas" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe unserious or impractical concepts. Ludwig indicates that while not exceedingly common, it's accepted in various contexts, particularly in news and tech media. When writing, use it to gently dismiss impractical ideas, but consider more formal alternatives in professional settings. Although the frequency is rare, according to Ludwig's AI analysis, the phrase remains valid and serves a specific communicative purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Impractical notions

Replaces "frivolous" with a more direct term for lack of practicality.

Silly concepts

Substitutes "frivolous" with a word indicating lack of seriousness.

Trivial suggestions

Replaces both words with synonyms emphasizing lack of importance.

Ill-considered proposals

Focuses on the lack of thought put into the ideas.

Half-baked schemes

Uses an idiom to suggest the ideas are not fully developed or realistic.

Absurd concepts

Replaces frivolous with a stronger adjective.

Nonsensical notions

Highlights the lack of logical sense in the ideas.

Idle speculations

Emphasizes the lack of grounding or purpose in the ideas.

Worthless suggestions

Directly conveys the lack of value in the ideas.

Pointless concepts

Highlights the absence of a clear objective or purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "frivolous ideas" to describe suggestions or concepts that are not serious or practical. For example, "The team generated several "frivolous ideas" during the brainstorming session, but ultimately focused on more viable options."

What's a good alternative to saying "frivolous ideas"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "frivolous ideas" with phrases like "impractical suggestions", "unrealistic concepts", or "trivial notions". Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the idea's lack of value.

Is it appropriate to use "frivolous ideas" in a business setting?

While "frivolous ideas" is generally understood, it might be perceived as too informal or dismissive in some business contexts. Consider using more professional alternatives like "unrealistic proposals" or "impractical strategies" to maintain a serious and respectful tone.

What makes an idea "frivolous"?

An idea is considered "frivolous" if it lacks seriousness, practicality, or a clear purpose. "Frivolous ideas" often serve as lighthearted or amusing diversions but are not suitable for serious consideration or implementation.