making an idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making an idea" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey the process of developing or formulating an idea, but it lacks clarity and proper usage. Example: "She is making an idea for her new project, but she needs to refine it further."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Making an idea into an emotion.

The New Yorker

They're making an idea of you before actually listening to you on the radio".

The Guardian

Several online communities focus on creating and spreading memes with the goal of making an idea become viral a process known as "attention hacking" or "weaponizing". These communities, on websites such as Reddit, 4chan, Twitter, and others, have become hugely influential.

MIT Technology Review

Some people will pick up a book in a store, look at the cover and fall in love with the title while making an idea about the content.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

What Makes an Idea Creative?

Columbia University

But how do you make an idea like that real?

The Guardian

They could eventually make an idea from science fiction a reality too.

The Economist

It's the details that make an idea useful or interesting or fun.

The New York Times

This is what it might mean to "novelize" an idea, to make an idea a kind of character, with a character's inconsistencies and illogicalities and unreason.

The New Yorker

She stands aside to let an artist breathe and then asks the big question: what makes an idea relevant today?

The New York Times - Arts

What makes an idea go viral, a song become a hit, or a startup turn into a stock-listed powerhouse?

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the development of a concept, use stronger verbs like "developing", "formulating", or "creating" to enhance clarity.

Common error

Do not use the phrase "making an idea" in formal writing. It's often better to use more precise language to describe the process, such as "developing a concept" or "formulating a plan."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making an idea" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. However, it's less precise than alternatives like "developing an idea". As Ludwig AI points out, it's not grammatically correct in standard written English, suggesting a need for clearer alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "making an idea" might seem intuitive, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. More precise and accepted alternatives, such as "developing an idea", "formulating a concept", or "creating an idea", are generally preferred. Usage appears most commonly in news and media, but even then, clearer phrasing is recommended for enhanced clarity and grammatical correctness. Always consider the context and choose the verb that best reflects the specific process of idea formation you wish to describe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

developing an idea

Focuses on the process of elaborating and refining an initial concept.

formulating an idea

Emphasizes the structured and systematic expression of a concept.

creating an idea

Highlights the act of bringing a new concept into existence.

conceiving an idea

Focuses on the initial mental formation of an idea.

realizing an idea

Shifts the focus to the practical implementation of an idea.

generating an idea

Stresses the production or origination of a concept.

shaping an idea

Highlights the process of giving form and structure to a concept.

inventing an idea

Implies the creation of a completely novel and original concept.

fashioning an idea

Suggests a careful and deliberate crafting of a concept.

devising an idea

Focuses on planning and contriving a method or scheme.

FAQs

What's a more appropriate way to say "making an idea"?

Alternatives include "developing an idea", "formulating a concept", or "creating an idea", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. For instance, use "developing an idea" when refining an initial thought.

Is "making an idea" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "making an idea" is not considered grammatically correct in standard written English. It is better to use more precise and conventional alternatives.

How can I use "develop an idea" effectively in my writing?

Use "develop an idea" when you want to emphasize the process of expanding and refining a concept. For example, "The team is "developing an idea" for a new marketing campaign".

What is the difference between "making an idea" and "creating an idea"?

While both relate to forming a concept, "creating an idea" is generally preferred and implies bringing something entirely new into existence. "Making an idea" is less common and can sound awkward; using "creating an idea" adds clarity.