odd idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "odd idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a concept or plan that is unconventional or unexpected. For example: "I had an odd idea to fly a kite in the middle of a blizzard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

An odd idea.

The New York Times

It's an odd idea.

The New York Times - Food

It's certainly a rather odd idea.

Independent

What an odd idea from David Willetts, our universities minister.

The Guardian

Start with this: An interstate compact is an odd idea.

The New Yorker

What an odd idea from our government – making squatting in residential property a criminal offence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Visiting in winter was an odd idea even for the idle rich.

The Guardian

Enforced relaxation might seem an odd idea, but slowness is what it's all about.

The Guardian - Travel

The odd idea in the coverage is in the headline: "Abu Ghraib MP Slain in Bid for Redemption".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

This inevitably involved some odd ideas.

The Guardian

Some people have very odd ideas about customer service".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "odd idea" when you want to express that a concept is strange, unusual, or unexpected. It's suitable for a variety of contexts, from informal conversations to more formal writing. Consider the connotation you wish to convey; "odd" can range from slightly amusing to somewhat disconcerting.

Common error

While "odd idea" is widely understood, it may sound too informal or colloquial in certain professional or academic settings. Consider using alternatives like "unconventional approach" or "novel concept" to maintain a more serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "odd idea" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "odd" modifies the noun "idea". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous examples, showing how it introduces a concept perceived as unusual or strange.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "odd idea" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a concept perceived as unusual or strange. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears most commonly in news and media, with a neutral to slightly informal register. While it effectively conveys the speaker's perception of an idea, be mindful of the context and consider more formal alternatives like "unconventional concept" in academic or professional settings. The phrase is generally well-regarded but can be improved by selecting precise synonyms for different specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strange concept

Emphasizes the unusual or unfamiliar nature of the idea.

peculiar notion

Highlights the distinct and perhaps slightly eccentric quality of the idea.

unconventional thought

Focuses on the idea's deviation from established norms or practices.

bizarre plan

Suggests the idea is strikingly out of the ordinary and possibly absurd.

curious suggestion

Implies the idea is intriguing and prompts further consideration.

unusual proposal

Highlights the exceptional nature of the idea being put forward.

eccentric scheme

Conveys the idea is quirky and deviates from traditional ways of thinking.

outlandish concept

Emphasizes the idea's far-fetched or extravagant nature.

singular thought

Highlights that the thought is unique and one of a kind.

remarkable thought

Expresses that the thought is special and worth paying attention to.

FAQs

What does "odd idea" mean?

The phrase "odd idea" refers to a concept, plan, or suggestion that is unusual, strange, or unexpected. It implies a deviation from the norm or conventional thinking.

What can I say instead of "odd idea"?

You can use alternatives such as "strange concept", "peculiar notion", or "unconventional thought" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an odd idea" or "a odd idea"?

The correct form is "an odd idea" because the word "odd" begins with a vowel sound. The article "an" is used before vowel sounds.

How formal is the phrase "odd idea"?

The phrase "odd idea" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. While it's suitable for most everyday conversations and writing, you might opt for a more formal alternative like "novel concept" or "unconventional approach" in academic or professional contexts.