is not a good idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not a good idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express disapproval or caution regarding a suggestion or plan. Example: "Going out in this storm is not a good idea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Which is not a good idea".

The New York Times

"Stopping is not a good idea.

The New York Times - Health

Also, sarcasm is not a good idea.

The New York Times - Tech

This is not a good idea.

The New York Times - Arts

That is not a good idea at this point.

The New York Times

Fooling around with grapefruit juice is not a good idea".

The New York Times - Health

"March is probably is not a good idea," he added.

The New York Times

Fouling him is not a good idea, either.

The New York Times - Sports

Breaking his rules is not a good idea.

The New York Times

Politics and sport DO NOT mix and this is not a good idea.

Independent

In practice, the power of search, arrest and operation is not a good idea.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not a good idea", always provide a clear reason or alternative suggestion to show that you've considered the situation thoughtfully.

Common error

Avoid using "is not a good idea" as a standalone statement. Always provide context or reasoning to support your claim and to increase your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not a good idea" functions as a subject complement, expressing a negative evaluation or assessment of a preceding subject (an action, plan, or suggestion). Ludwig shows that this phrase is commonly used to convey reservations or disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

36%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not a good idea" is a versatile expression used to convey caution, mild disapproval, or dissuasion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and prevalent in various contexts, especially within News & Media and Wiki sources. While the expression is acceptable in most situations, more formal options like "is ill-advised" or "is not advisable" may be preferable in academic or professional settings. When using the phrase, it's best practice to provide context or reasoning to justify the claim. In summary, "is not a good idea" serves as a clear and understandable way to express reservations about a proposed action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is ill-advised

This alternative is more formal and suggests a stronger degree of disapproval.

is not advisable

This is a more cautious and professional way to express the same sentiment.

is a bad plan

This phrase is simpler and more direct, focusing on the planning aspect.

is not recommended

This is a more neutral and objective way to express the same sentiment.

would be a mistake

This alternative focuses on the potential for error or misjudgment.

is a recipe for disaster

This is a more dramatic expression, suggesting a high likelihood of negative consequences.

is a risky move

This phrase highlights the potential dangers or uncertainties involved.

is not the best course of action

This is a more diplomatic and less confrontational way to express disagreement.

is undesirable

This alternative suggests that the outcome is not wanted or preferred.

is to be avoided

This emphasizes the need to actively steer clear of the suggested action.

FAQs

What does "is not a good idea" mean?

The phrase "is not a good idea" expresses disapproval or caution regarding a particular action, plan, or suggestion. It indicates that the speaker or writer believes there are potential risks, downsides, or better alternatives.

What can I say instead of "is not a good idea"?

You can use alternatives like "is ill-advised", "is not advisable", or "is not recommended" depending on the context and level of formality.

How to use "is not a good idea" in a sentence?

You can use "is not a good idea" to express concern about a proposed action. For example, "Driving without headlights at night is not a good idea."

Is "is not a good idea" formal or informal?

"Is not a good idea" is generally considered to be neutral in tone. While acceptable in most contexts, more formal alternatives like "is ill-advised" or "is not advisable" may be preferred in professional or academic settings.