notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "notion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an idea, belief, or concept that someone has about something. Example: "She had a notion that the project would succeed despite the challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But another cost has been the damage done to the whole notion of financial innovation.

The Economist

This is the notion that openness is a certain good, and that "free" is automatically aligned with "freedom" – a faith that's hard to maintain in the light of the consequences of putting so much of our identities into the hands of third (and fourth, and fifth) parties.

The Guardian - Opinion

All that is to say, I am sympathetic to the notion that I may need to handle a gun some day.

The Guardian - Opinion

I understand why the Lib Dems feel the imperative to challenge the notion that they are compliant accomplices marching to Conservative tunes.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are no values that I can espouse as a humanist that are anti-female, but there are a number of values of feminism that are alien to me – such as the notion that equality is more important than opportunity and choice, and that it can be legislated.

The Guardian - Opinion

The murder of Shae challenges that notion – and Tyrion himself is aware of that fact.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It is surprising that individuals at an institution of higher learning claiming to embrace the notion of academic and intellectual freedom would display intolerance and shout down a voice in the debate they simply don't agree with," Pyne said through a spokesman.

The Guardian

To Polish ears, the notion sounded like blasphemy.

The Guardian

A third principle riding atop these is transparency: the notion that government should be transparent by default and secret by necessity (and there are necessary secrets).

The Guardian - Opinion

From the 18th century onwards, there was the notion of "proper" English, an idea that expressed itself in pedantry about grammar and pronunciation but that was always about power and control.

The Guardian - Opinion

I had only a vague first-world notion of "deforestation" and this being bad.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "notion" when you want to express a general or somewhat vague idea, belief, or understanding. It's suitable when the concept isn't fully formed or defined.

Common error

Avoid using "notion" when referring to something that has been proven or is widely accepted as a fact. "Notion" implies a degree of uncertainty or subjectivity, while facts are objective and verifiable.

Linguistic Context

The word "notion" functions primarily as a noun, representing a mental concept, idea, or belief. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "notion" is used to denote a thought or understanding, often in the context of opinions or beliefs. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Opinion

20%

Politics

18%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Lifestyle

5%

Arts

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "notion" is a versatile noun used to represent an idea, concept, or belief. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and frequently used in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal news articles to informal discussions. While alternatives like ""concept"", ""idea"", and ""belief"" exist, "notion" is particularly effective when conveying a somewhat vague or not fully formed idea. Remember to avoid using "notion" when referring to established facts. Ludwig's examples highlight its prevalence in news, opinion pieces, and political discourse, underscoring its importance in expressing and understanding diverse perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concept

Refers to a general idea or understanding, similar to a "notion" but often more structured.

idea

A thought or suggestion as to a possible course of action, slightly more general than a "notion".

thought

An idea or opinion produced by thinking, very similar to a "notion" but can also refer to the process of thinking itself.

belief

An acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists, implying a stronger conviction than a "notion".

understanding

The ability to comprehend something, closely linked to having a "notion" about it.

impression

A feeling or understanding resulting from an experience, less concrete than a "notion".

opinion

A view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge, related to a "notion" but more subjective.

perception

The ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses, which can lead to a "notion".

supposition

An uncertain belief, which shares the tentative quality sometimes associated with a "notion".

assumption

A thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof, relating to a preconceived "notion".

FAQs

How can I use "notion" in a sentence?

You can use "notion" to refer to an idea, belief, or concept. For example, "The "notion that" hard work leads to success is a common one".

What are some alternatives to the word "notion"?

Alternatives to "notion" include "concept", "idea", "belief", and "impression", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I have a notion about" or "I have a notion of"?

Both "I have a notion about" and "I have a notion of" are grammatically correct, but "I have a "notion of"" is more common when referring to a general understanding or idea.

What's the difference between "notion" and "theory"?

A "notion" is a general idea or belief, often without substantial evidence. A "theory", on the other hand, is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation.