great idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"great idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are praising someone's suggestion or proposal, or when you are expressing enthusiasm for something. Example: "That's a great idea! Let's go out for lunch to celebrate our success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Grifters Great idea.

The New Yorker

A genuinely great idea.

The New Yorker

Such a great idea!

Independent

"Great idea," I replied.

The New York Times

Not a great idea.

The New York Times - Travel

What a great idea".

The Guardian - Film

Great, great idea.

The New York Times - Tech

DAVID DENBY: Great idea.

The New Yorker

A great idea.

The New York Times - Arts

Great idea, Kathy!

Stanford University

It is a great idea.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language to avoid repetition. While "great idea" is useful, consider alternatives like "excellent suggestion" or "brilliant concept" for diverse expression.

Common error

While "great idea" is a useful phrase, overuse can diminish its impact. Substitute with more specific praise, such as "that's a very innovative approach" or "an excellent solution to the problem."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great idea" primarily functions as an interjection or expression of approval. It is used to immediately validate a suggestion, plan, or concept. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to show support or enthusiasm for someone's proposal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "great idea" is a common and versatile phrase used to express approval and enthusiasm for a suggestion or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It functions primarily as an interjection, serving to validate and encourage further development of the idea. While suitable for various registers, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral tone. Consider using alternatives like "excellent suggestion" or "brilliant concept" to vary your language. While it's good to use, overuse can diminish its impact so be mindful of that.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excellent suggestion

Replaces "idea" with "suggestion", emphasizing the proposal itself.

brilliant concept

Substitutes "idea" with "concept", highlighting the novelty or ingenuity of the thought.

outstanding plan

Uses "plan" instead of "idea", focusing on the actionable aspect of the proposal.

fantastic notion

Replaces "idea" with "notion", adding a touch of informality.

remarkable thought

Emphasizes the thoughtfulness behind the idea.

clever approach

Highlights the ingenuity and strategic thinking involved.

inspired solution

Focuses on the problem-solving aspect of the idea.

innovative proposal

Stresses the newness and originality of the suggestion.

smart move

Implies the idea is practical and strategic.

genius plan

Implies the idea is very intelligent and original.

FAQs

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

You can use "great idea" to express approval or enthusiasm for a suggestion, as in "That's a "great idea"! Let's implement it immediately."

What are some alternatives to saying "great idea"?

Instead of "great idea", you can use phrases like "excellent suggestion", "brilliant concept", or "fantastic notion", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "great idea" in formal writing?

While "great idea" is generally acceptable, it's more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "promising approach" or "innovative solution".

How can I make my praise more specific than just saying "great idea"?

Instead of just saying "great idea", try explaining what makes the idea great, such as "That's a "great idea" because it addresses the core issue directly" or "That's a "great idea" that’s cost-effective and easy to implement".