generate an idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generate an idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of creating or formulating a concept or thought. Example: "During the brainstorming session, we were encouraged to generate an idea that could improve our marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

How do you generate an idea that is so radical yet so compelling that it fundamentally changes customer expectations or the cost structure of an industry or the basis for competition?

Forbes

I just think that one person might generate an idea and others can take the spin off that idea.

BMC Health Services Research

This was because they had to generate an idea of what was happening to focus their assessment to confirm or refute their initial hypothesis.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Inspired by the theme of "Generate"—an idea "which in itself was synonymous with one powerful idea: energy"—GMUNK set out to create what he calls "a film that was a surreal journey of generative transformation through light and sound".

Vice

Generate an Idea for your eBook.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The writer claims that what happened during the boys' interrogations is called cryptomnesia: where someone (the child) unwittingly claims to have generated an idea that was generated by someone else (the police).

The New Yorker

Via a study of innovating and non-innovating German consumers, we explore links between the "Big Five" personality traits and successful accomplishment of three basic innovation process stages by consumer-innovators: (1) generating an idea for a new product or product improvement, (2) developing a prototype that implements that idea, and (3) diffusing the innovation to others.

Research Policy

"Why didn't I realize?" The psychologist Dan Gilbert calls this kleptomnesia: generating an idea that you believe is novel, but in fact was created by someone else.

Huffington Post

Alarmingly, a full 75percentt of participants unintentionally plagiarized, claiming they generated an idea that was in fact offered by another member of their group.

Huffington Post

DS, PV, and VA generated an idea.

BMC Cancer

AT, KS, PVD generated an idea, gathered postoperative glioblastoma tissue and patient data.

BMC Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "generate an idea", consider brainstorming sessions or mind-mapping techniques to encourage diverse thinking and unlock creative potential.

Common error

Avoid prematurely focusing on the feasibility of the idea when you "generate an idea". Initial stages should prioritize quantity and novelty, saving practical evaluation for later.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generate an idea" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of creating or producing a new idea. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, suggesting its suitability for expressing the initiation of a thought process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generate an idea" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression for describing the process of creating a new concept. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usage across diverse contexts, from scientific research to news articles. While suitable for general communication, alternative phrases like "develop an idea" or "formulate an idea" might be preferred in more formal settings. When aiming to "generate an idea", remember to encourage diverse thinking and delay feasibility evaluations to unlock innovative potential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

produce an idea

Replaces "generate" with "produce", focusing on the creation aspect.

develop an idea

Emphasizes the process of growth and refinement of a concept.

formulate an idea

Highlights the structured and systematic creation of an idea.

conceive an idea

Focuses on the initial formation of an idea in the mind.

devise an idea

Implies a more inventive and resourceful approach to creating an idea.

come up with an idea

A more informal way of saying to create or think of an idea.

think up an idea

Similar to "come up with", but perhaps implying a more spontaneous generation.

invent an idea

Suggests creating something entirely new and original.

originate an idea

Highlights the beginning or source of the idea.

spark an idea

Implies initiating or triggering an idea.

FAQs

How can I use "generate an idea" in a sentence?

You can use "generate an idea" to describe the process of creating or formulating a new concept. For example, "The workshop helped us "generate an idea" for a new marketing campaign".

What can I say instead of "generate an idea"?

You can use alternatives like "develop an idea", "formulate an idea", or "come up with an idea" depending on the context.

Is "generate an idea" formal or informal?

"Generate an idea" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "formulate an idea" might be preferred in academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "generate an idea" and "have an idea"?

"Generate an idea" implies a deliberate process of creating a new concept, while "have an idea" simply means possessing a thought or concept, regardless of how it originated.