imaginative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imaginative" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is creative or inventive in thought or expression. Example: "The artist's imaginative approach to painting brought a fresh perspective to the gallery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Turning to Paul Le Guen was bold, imaginative and seemingly unrealistic but demonstrative of a degree of audacity that Murray has often matched with persuasiveness to great effect.

The Guardian - Sport

And the festival keeps evolving in most imaginative ways.

The Guardian - Books

I used to think that imaginative failure explained the relative lack of public concern about state and corporate surveillance: people simply cannot conceive where this stuff might be taking us, which is why we needed novelists such as Orwell and Aldous Huxley – and now Dave Eggers – to help us visualise potential dystopias.

The Guardian - Tech

He made few egregious errors and introduced one or two imaginative initiatives.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead of the imaginative, integrated development plan drawn up by Charles Correa, the renowned Mumbai-based architect, the former mill-hub of Lalbaug-Parel is a soulless cram of skyscrapers, mall-to-mall carpeting and snarled traffic clashing with the tenements housing the dispossessed worker families.

The Guardian

On Water Jump or These Nights Never End it perfectly evokes how it feels to be lost on the dancefloor at 3am, but it's creative and imaginative enough to sound perfect on headphones long after that small-hours moment's passed.

The Guardian - Music

The Independent have called him a "versatile, imaginative, committed long-form journalist with a populist touch".

The Guardian

You need to be imaginative and be able to persuade people to come with you on your journey," he explains.

The Guardian

"My attitude to money has always been that it is not a literal thing - it is an imaginative idea.

The Guardian - Film

The pieces will be more imaginative – I'm expecting thrones and direwolves and all sorts of gratuitous nipples – plus the stakes will be higher and, unlike the London edition, it might actually acknowledge the existence of the north for once.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Come up with imaginative proposals for suitable uses for the "Pacer" fleet and build new trains here in the North.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, use "imaginative" to highlight their capacity for original and creative thought. For example, "She is an imaginative writer, crafting worlds that captivate readers."

Common error

Avoid using "imaginative" when you mean "imaginary". "Imaginative" describes someone with a vivid imagination, while "imaginary" refers to something that exists only in the imagination and is not real.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "imaginative" is that of an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their qualities related to creativity or inventiveness. Ludwig illustrates this with examples such as "imaginative plotlines" and "imaginative proposals".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

17%

Music

5%

Less common in

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "imaginative" is widely used to describe creativity and inventiveness across diverse contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, "imaginative" functions grammatically as an adjective and carries a neutral tone, suitable for professional and general communication. To enhance writing, remember that "imaginative" highlights creative attributes, while "imaginary" denotes something unreal. Substitute with alternatives like "creative" or "inventive" for nuanced expressions. It is a versatile term in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creative

Focuses more broadly on the act of creation rather than the richness of the imagination.

inventive

Highlights the ability to create or design new things or solutions.

visionary

Emphasizes forward-thinking and innovative ideas about the future.

ingenious

Stresses cleverness and resourcefulness in creating or solving problems.

innovative

Focuses on introducing new ideas or methods.

resourceful

Highlights the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties.

original

Emphasizes uniqueness and novelty.

artistic

Relates specifically to creative expression in art.

inspired

Suggests a spark of creativity driven by enthusiasm or a muse.

fanciful

Implies a whimsical and elaborate imagination, often detached from reality.

FAQs

How can I use "imaginative" in a sentence?

Use "imaginative" to describe something or someone displaying creativity or inventiveness. For example, "The architect presented an imaginative design for the new museum."

What words can I use instead of "imaginative"?

Alternatives include "creative", "inventive", or "visionary", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to describe an idea as "imaginative"?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable. "Imaginative" can describe ideas, plans, or solutions that are innovative or original. For instance, "The team came up with an imaginative solution to the problem."

What is the difference between "imaginative" and "imaginable"?

"Imaginative" describes someone or something with a rich or inventive imagination, while "imaginable" refers to something that is capable of being imagined or conceived. Use "imaginative" to describe the quality of being creative, and "imaginable" to refer to the possibility of something being conceived in the mind.