not a good idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not a good idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It generally expresses disapproval of an action or decision. For example: "It would be unwise to drive home after drinking, that is not a good idea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Not a good idea.

The New York Times

Probably not a good idea".

The Guardian - Film

This was not a good idea.

The New Yorker

"Which is not a good idea".

The New York Times

It is probably not a good idea.

The New York Times

This is actually not a good idea".

The New Yorker

That's really not a good idea!

The New Yorker

Not a good idea, apparently.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Still, it's probably not a good idea.

The New York Times

And that's not a good idea".

The Guardian - Sport

"Stopping is not a good idea.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not a good idea" when you want to express disapproval or caution in a clear and straightforward manner. It is suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

While "not a good idea" is versatile, avoid using it repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "ill-advised" or "inadvisable" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not a good idea" functions as a negative evaluation or suggestion against a proposed action or thought. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage, reinforcing its role in expressing disapproval or caution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not a good idea" is a common and versatile expression used to convey disapproval or caution against a specific action or thought. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it also appears in scientific and formal business contexts. While suitable for various situations, it is important to avoid overuse and consider more formal alternatives when appropriate, such as "ill-advised" or "inadvisable". Understanding its function and appropriate contexts can enhance clarity and impact in both spoken and written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not recommended

This phrase is a more neutral way of discouraging an action, often used in professional or technical contexts.

ill-advised

This term is more formal and suggests a lack of wisdom or foresight.

inadvisable

Similar to "ill-advised" but can also imply potential negative consequences.

best avoided

This is a polite way of saying something should not be done.

a bad move

This is a more informal way of saying something is a poor decision.

a questionable decision

This implies doubt or uncertainty about the wisdom of a choice.

a recipe for disaster

This idiom suggests that something is likely to lead to negative outcomes.

asking for trouble

This idiom implies that an action is likely to cause problems or difficulties.

counterproductive

This term indicates that an action will have the opposite of the desired effect.

a risky proposition

This suggests that an action involves a high degree of risk or uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "not a good idea" in a sentence?

You can use "not a good idea" to express disapproval or warn against a particular action. For example, "Driving without a license is "not a good idea"."

What are some alternatives to "not a good idea"?

Alternatives include "ill-advised", "inadvisable", "not recommended", or simply stating that something is a "bad move" depending on the context.

Is it ever appropriate to use "not a good idea" in formal writing?

While generally suitable for semi-formal and informal contexts, "not a good idea" can be used in formal writing when a direct and clear expression of disapproval is needed. More formal alternatives like "ill-advised" or "inadvisable" might be preferred in certain situations.

What's the difference between "not a good idea" and "a bad idea"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "Not a good idea" is slightly more polite, while "a bad idea" is more direct and forceful. Semantically speaking, both are ways of suggesting something is unadvisable.