idea that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "idea that" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a concept or thought that you would like to introduce or explain. For example: "I have an idea that would revolutionize the way people approach this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

An idea that would let us be.

The New Yorker

What a great idea that is".

The New York Times

Interesting idea, that.

The New York Times

It's a good idea, that.

The Guardian - Music

It's an idea that is slightly puzzling.

Independent

An intriguing idea that could develop well.

The Guardian - Tech

Hmmm, not a bad idea that.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A quaint Keynesian idea, that.

Forbes

Hardly an idea that needs patenting.

Forbes

It's an idea that delights Miner.

Forbes

Alas, it's an idea that may backfire.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "idea that" to introduce a concept or thought you are about to explain or elaborate on. For clarity, ensure the clause following "idea that" provides specific details about the idea.

Common error

Avoid using "idea that" without a clear and specific reference. Ensure the idea being introduced is well-defined and easily understood by the reader to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "idea that" functions as a noun phrase introducing a proposition, concept, or thought. It serves to present an idea as a subject for further discussion or analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "idea that" is a versatile and commonly used expression to introduce a concept, thought, or proposition. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts such as news, science, and formal writing. When using "idea that", ensure the subsequent clause clearly defines the idea to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "notion that" or "concept that" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Mastering the use of "idea that" will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

notion that

Replaces "idea" with a synonym, "notion", emphasizing a general understanding or belief.

concept that

Substitutes "idea" with "concept", highlighting a more structured or theoretical understanding.

belief that

Replaces "idea" with "belief", focusing on a conviction or acceptance as true.

thought that

Uses "thought" instead of "idea", suggesting a more transient or less developed concept.

understanding that

Replaces "idea" with "understanding", emphasizing comprehension and awareness.

premise that

Substitutes "idea" with "premise", indicating a foundational assumption or starting point.

theory that

Uses "theory" instead of "idea", suggesting a more formal or scientific explanation.

hypothesis that

Replaces "idea" with "hypothesis", implying a tentative explanation for testing.

assumption that

Substitutes "idea" with "assumption", highlighting something taken for granted without proof.

principle that

Uses "principle" instead of "idea", suggesting a fundamental truth or proposition.

FAQs

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

Use "idea that" to introduce a concept or thought. For example, "The "idea that" hard work leads to success is a common belief".

What are some alternatives to "idea that"?

You can use alternatives like "notion that", "concept that", or "belief that" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "idea that" and "concept that"?

While similar, ""idea that"" generally refers to a thought or suggestion, while "concept that" often implies a more structured or theoretical understanding.

When is it appropriate to use "idea that" in formal writing?

The phrase ""idea that"" is appropriate in formal writing when introducing a concept or argument. Ensure the context is clear and the idea is well-defined.