grotesque idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grotesque idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an idea that is absurd, shocking, or repulsive in nature. Example: "The proposal to cut funding for education was met with outrage; many considered it a grotesque idea that would harm future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Scottish independence is a grotesque idea, not worth discussing.

Independent

Telling Forster that "a very fine, new, and grotesque idea has opened upon me," he started writing a new novel.

The New Yorker

He writes in the book's final section about being hit by a runaway van while walking along a Maine road, of waking up to hear the driver say he was heading for "some of those Marzes-bars they have up to the store," and of having the grotesque idea that he had nearly been killed by one of his own characters.

The New York Times - Books

Gramm's inflammatory testimony makes two basic points, which can ultimately be reduced to the same grotesque idea.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Elliot Rodger earned the fame and infamy he wished for through his act of violence, and now everyone can read about his grotesque ideas.

The New Yorker

In the section of Capital entitled "The Fetishism of Commodities and the Secret Thereof," Marx wrote about wood being turned into tables: "It is changed into something transcendent… It stands on its head, and evolves out of its wooden brain grotesque ideas, far more wonderful than 'table-turning' ever was".

Vice

He tried working from photographs of Nazi executions — shootings, hangings — but decided that the idea was grotesque.

The New Yorker

They took Lamarck's idea to grotesque extremes by claiming, for instance, that cuckoos repeatedly emerged de novo from eggs of small birds as a particularly remarkable adaptation.

Biology Direct

"What a monstrous, degrading, disgusting idea!" wrote former BBC boxing commentator Peter Wilson in 1948, on learning of Buttrick's "grotesque" ambitions.

BBC

Grotesque, not titillating — but the idea, at least, would be too exciting.

The New Yorker

The idea was so grotesque that Obasanjo's own normally taciturn vice-president, Abubakar Atiku, was provoked into going public with his disagreement on it with his boss Obasanjo loyalists roundly condemned Aitku and called on him to resign.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grotesque idea" to express strong disapproval or disgust towards a concept, ensuring the context clearly conveys the negative sentiment.

Common error

Avoid using "grotesque idea" in situations where a neutral or mildly negative description is required. The phrase carries a strong negative connotation and is inappropriate for objective reporting or analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grotesque idea" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "grotesque" modifies the noun "idea". According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase to describe something shocking or repulsive. Examples show its use in expressing strong disagreement or disgust.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grotesque idea" is a potent expression used to denote strong disapproval or disgust. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, this phrase serves to convey a negative judgment, often evoking a sense of shock or outrage. While direct alternatives like "abhorrent concept" or "repulsive notion" exist, writers should be mindful of the strong negative connotation and avoid its use in neutral contexts. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing a deeply felt opposition to a morally or ethically questionable concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abhorrent concept

Replaces "grotesque" with "abhorrent", emphasizing the repulsive nature of the idea.

repulsive notion

Substitutes "grotesque" with "repulsive" and "idea" with "notion", both conveying strong dislike.

hideous thought

Replaces "grotesque" with "hideous" and "idea" with "thought", highlighting the disturbing quality.

monstrous proposition

Uses "monstrous" instead of "grotesque" and "proposition" instead of "idea", suggesting something unnatural and appalling.

distorted concept

Replaces "grotesque" with "distorted", focusing on the twisted or perverted nature of the idea.

outlandish scheme

Substitutes "grotesque" with "outlandish" and "idea" with "scheme", suggesting something bizarre and impractical.

bizarre plan

Replaces "grotesque" with "bizarre" and "idea" with "plan", emphasizing the strangeness of the idea.

preposterous suggestion

Uses "preposterous" instead of "grotesque" and "suggestion" instead of "idea", implying absurdity.

ludicrous proposition

Replaces "grotesque" with "ludicrous", highlighting the ridiculousness of the idea.

appalling concept

Substitutes "grotesque" with "appalling", stressing the shocking and dreadful nature of the idea.

FAQs

What does "grotesque idea" mean?

A "grotesque idea" is one that is extremely unpleasant, shocking, or offensive. It suggests something is distorted and unnatural, evoking a strong sense of disgust or disapproval.

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

You can use "grotesque idea" to express strong disapproval or disgust towards a concept. For example, "The proposal to cut funding for education was a "grotesque idea" that would harm future generations."

What can I say instead of "grotesque idea"?

You can use alternatives like "abhorrent concept", "repulsive notion", or "hideous thought" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "grotesque idea"?

It's appropriate to use the phrase when you want to convey a strong sense of disgust, disapproval, or shock regarding a particular concept or plan. It is best used in situations where the idea is truly offensive or morally reprehensible.