getting a small idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting a small idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that you are beginning to understand or grasp a concept or thought, albeit in a limited way. Example: "After reading the article, I am getting a small idea of the complexities involved in climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

From experience, it takes a minimum of 15 days to a month before we start getting a small idea of what really happened.

The Guardian

Getting a small idea done is better than dreaming about a big one.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Imagine Kevin Keegan and Gary Lineker in the dock, and you'll get a small idea of how the heavens have fallen in the sub-continent.

The Guardian - Sport

Have a small idea on C software.

WikiHow

It is quite wasteful to settle on a small idea, because you just might get lucky!

TechCrunch

If you want the things to stay in the basket, try these ideas, get a small basket and big things, get as many things to help stay in or make the cellophane as tight as possible.

WikiHow

When I appealed to readers of my blog, Bitten (nytimes.com/bitten), for ideas, I quickly got a small flood, and some of them were uncommon, intriguing and appealing.

The New York Times

Get a small dish.

WikiHow

Get a small terrarium.

WikiHow

Get a small brush.

WikiHow

Get a small bottle.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting a small idea" when you want to convey the initial stages of understanding something, especially when the understanding is incomplete or just beginning to form. This phrase is useful in contexts where you want to show that you are starting to grasp a concept but are not yet fully informed.

Common error

Avoid using "getting a small idea" when you actually have a comprehensive understanding of the topic. This phrase should be reserved for situations where your understanding is limited and preliminary. Otherwise, it may undermine your credibility or suggest a lack of confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting a small idea" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the beginning stages of comprehension or understanding. It suggests a gradual process of forming an initial concept, as supported by Ludwig examples illustrating scenarios where one starts to grasp something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting a small idea" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe the initial phase of understanding a concept. Ludwig's analysis indicates that its usage is more common in neutral to informal contexts such as news and media and wikis, suggesting a less formal register. While understandable, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "acquiring a limited insight" for professional or academic settings. It's important to avoid using this phrase when a thorough understanding is already present. Overall, it's a suitable phrase for conveying the beginnings of comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaining a faint notion

Replaces "getting" with "gaining" and "small idea" with "faint notion", emphasizing the subtlety of the understanding.

grasping a basic concept

Uses "grasping" to indicate understanding and "basic concept" to represent a fundamental idea.

developing a rudimentary understanding

Emphasizes the developmental aspect of understanding something in a preliminary stage.

forming an initial impression

Focuses on the formation of an initial opinion or judgment based on limited information.

obtaining a preliminary sense

Highlights the act of acquiring a sense or feeling about something before a full understanding is achieved.

acquiring a limited insight

Indicates gaining a restricted or narrow view or perception of something.

perceiving a vague outline

Suggests detecting a faint or unclear representation of something.

gathering a sketchy picture

Implies assembling an incomplete or roughly drawn depiction or understanding.

having a glimpse

Expresses experiencing a brief or momentary view or understanding.

getting a clue

Suggests receiving a piece of information or a hint that aids in understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "getting a small idea" in a sentence?

You can use "getting a small idea" to describe the beginning stages of understanding a concept. For example: "After the presentation, I started "getting a small idea" of the project's scope."

What are some alternatives to "getting a small idea"?

Alternatives include "gaining a faint notion", "grasping a basic concept", or "developing a rudimentary understanding", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "getting a small idea" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "getting a small idea" is generally more suited for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "acquiring a limited insight" or "obtaining a preliminary sense" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "getting a small idea" and "understanding the concept"?

"Getting a small idea" suggests an initial or incomplete understanding, whereas "understanding the concept" implies a more thorough and complete comprehension. The former is a starting point, while the latter is a more advanced stage of knowledge.