leading idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"leading idea" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a main idea, thesis, or argument that informs or drives a larger piece of writing. For example: "This article presents a leading idea that women are becoming more prominent in corporate leadership roles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

After the war, the leading idea was Germany's Western orientation.

The New York Times

Ideas are welcome from everyone, as you might hope at a leading idea management company!

The Guardian

The leading idea so far is to fold a fraction of them, about 20,000, into the Iraqi security forces.

The New York Times

The leading idea of "Against Interpretation" was its call for formalism, particularly in fiction, which to her at that time seemed America's most out-of-date art form.

The New Yorker

The leading idea for how to push physics beyond the Standard Model – and explain the many remaining mysteries of the universe – is looking shaky.

The Guardian

A leading idea to fight global climate change is to permanently remove some of the carbon dioxide building up in the atmosphere.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Salvation, and perhaps ultimate union with the divine cosmos through the study of the cosmic order, became one of the leading ideas in his school.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This was in accord with one of the leading ideas of the period, primitivism, the representation of humanity's supposed heart of darkness.

The New Yorker

Only one philosopher was so drenched in music as to have created a metaphor for one of his leading ideas out of musical theory.

The New York Times - Books

The paper draws on a range of evidence and leading ideas from archaeology, paleoanthropology and primatology.

Language Sciences

Some of the leading ideas of the phenomenological tradition can be traced back to this issue.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "leading idea", ensure the context clearly establishes what the idea is leading or guiding. Provide sufficient detail to make the connection apparent to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "leading idea" as a vague placeholder for any general thought. Replace it with more precise terms that reflect the specific role or nature of the idea in your context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading idea" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies a central, guiding, or most important concept. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in various contexts, highlighting its role in introducing or emphasizing a core thought.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Unknown/unmatched sources

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leading idea" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that identifies a central or guiding concept. As Ludwig AI points out, it's frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using "leading idea", it's important to ensure clarity and specificity. Consider alternatives like "central concept" or "guiding principle" to fine-tune the meaning. By understanding its function and context, writers can effectively employ "leading idea" to emphasize core arguments and concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

central concept

Focuses on the core or most important concept within a broader topic.

main theme

Highlights the overarching subject or message being conveyed.

guiding principle

Emphasizes the role of the idea as a directive or foundational element.

core belief

Suggests a fundamental and deeply held conviction.

key notion

Highlights the importance and significance of the idea.

principal thought

Stresses the primary nature of the idea in a line of reasoning.

dominant ideology

Indicates a prevailing system of beliefs or ideas.

overarching concept

Emphasizes the comprehensive and all-encompassing nature of the idea.

driving force

Implies that the idea is the primary motivator or impetus behind something.

seminal thought

Highlights the innovative and groundbreaking nature of the idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "leading idea" to introduce the most important concept or principle in a discussion or argument. For example, "The "leading idea" in this research is that early intervention can significantly improve outcomes."

What can I say instead of "leading idea"?

You can use alternatives like "central concept", "main theme", or "guiding principle" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "leading idea" and "overarching theme"?

"Leading idea" refers to a central concept that guides something, while "overarching theme" refers to a recurring subject or message that permeates throughout a work or discussion.

Is "leading idea" formal or informal language?

"Leading idea" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly academic or technical writing, you might consider more precise alternatives depending on the specific field.