ideal

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'ideal' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a perfect or preferred result, situation, or concept. For example: "This apartment is an ideal place for a small family to call home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I believe that we have now obtained the balance between what in an ideal world we would like to do and what we can afford to do".

The Guardian

But Republican primary voters too often make the mistake of preferring an unattainable ideal to the best candidate who is actually running.

The Economist

Anthony has the ideal combination of expertise, clarity and patience.

The Guardian

Whether or not the EPA's own surveys can be trusted, the move by Republicans to denounce water regulation and pitch it as the enemy of the foundational American ideal of private property might not be a slam-dunk for the American right – even among their core supporters.

The Guardian

These are the ideal source of data, but there are several limitations with the data at this local level.

The Guardian

"Obviously it is not the ideal thing to come down to breakfast and there's the Queen with a little pot of marmalade or whatever and porridge and kippers and you see the headline.

The Guardian

00 800 300 200 00; angsana.com 4. Tangier: a city with a new lease of life Louche, laid-back and a bit seedy, Tangier is undergoing something of a transformation into a chic destination, ideal for people who like their Morocco experiences to still have a little edginess.

The Guardian - Travel

Come on.'" The experience of the movie's producer – a Mr Sepp Blatter – breathing down his neck appears not to have been creatively ideal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Little wonder that fairness as a moral ideal can be dismissed as hazy romanticism and the ethical imperative of the green-eyed monster.

The Guardian - Opinion

This spring cocktail is ideal for a crowd, because you can prepare it in advance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Louise, Paris at Dawn Anthony has the ideal combination of expertise, clarity and patience.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ideal", ensure it aligns with the context. It describes something considered to be the best possible or most suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "ideal" when describing personal preferences. Opt for words like "preferred" or "suitable" instead, as "ideal" implies an objective standard of perfection.

Linguistic Context

The word "ideal" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate something considered to be the best or most suitable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "ideal" is an adjective widely used to describe something considered the best or most suitable. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage, highlighting its prevalence in news, business, and scientific contexts. While "ideal" implies an objective standard, it's crucial to avoid overusing it in subjective scenarios, opting for alternatives like "preferred" or "suitable" to maintain precision. The insights reveal the grammatical correctness and versatility of "ideal", making it a valuable term across various writing styles and communication purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perfect

Emphasizes flawlessness and completeness.

optimal

Highlights the best or most favorable condition or degree.

optimum

Focuses on the most favorable point or condition.

exemplary

Suggests serving as a model or example.

model

Implies a standard of excellence to be imitated.

classic

Highlights a standard of high quality or excellence.

prime

Implies the best possible quality or condition.

choice

Emphasizes being carefully selected as the best.

ultimate

Suggests the highest level or degree attainable.

dream

Implies an aspiration or something greatly desired.

FAQs

How can I use "ideal" in a sentence?

You can use "ideal" to describe something that represents a perfect example or is the most suitable. For instance, "This location is an ideal spot for a picnic."

What are some alternatives to saying "ideal"?

You can use alternatives like "perfect", "optimal", or "optimum" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "ideal" or "ideally"?

"Ideal" is an adjective used to describe a noun, while "ideally" is an adverb used to describe how something should be done. For example, "This is an ideal solution" versus "Ideally, we should start early."

What's the difference between "ideal" and "desirable"?

"Ideal" refers to the best possible or perfect scenario, while "desirable" simply means something that is wanted or wished for. The "desirable" outcome might not always be the "ideal" one.