one small idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one small idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a concept or suggestion that is simple or modest in scope. Example: "I have one small idea that could improve our workflow significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

One small idea can ignite a revolution just as a single matchstick can start a fire.

Harvard Business Review

One (small) idea in the pipeline is for a trailer to be shown before the broadcasts, to remind audiences that there is live theatre in the vicinity.

The Guardian

The personally-generated content from GP herself is limited to "humbly" adding "one small idea" to the tips written by some of her friends (alas not Madonna) and solicited from Camila Batmanghelidjh.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I think of one hundred small ideas, he thinks of three big ideas," he said.

The New Yorker

In fact, resolving the paradoxes of metamodernism -- for instance (but only as one small example), the idea that an earnest and mimetic accounting of the anxieties and self-determined identities of bourgeois living can, at this point in history, be radical -- requires something well beyond the simple dialectics of class struggle.

Huffington Post

But the music was even, and unified: one small band, one big idea.

The New York Times - Arts

They show up in the way you build a business one idea and one small win at a time, learning a little bit more and going a little bit further with each idea and each win.

Huffington Post

If you imagine trying to persuade the pope to pose for photographs alongside Madonna, Barack Obama and all five members of One Direction, you get some small idea of the hype surrounding these two unexpected stars of the small screen.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was a bright idea with one small glitch: hardly anyone could tune in.

The New York Times - Arts

"We like the idea of one small isolated rural area in Scotland linking with isolated rural areas in Afghanistan, because they always get forgotten," Smith said.

The Guardian

It's a great solution, except for one small problem: he has no idea how to pay for it.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a new project or initiative, use "one small idea" to frame it as manageable and approachable, reducing potential resistance.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the potential impact of something introduced as "one small idea". It's best to manage expectations and let the idea's merits speak for themselves.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one small idea" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct. The phrase typically introduces a concept or suggestion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "one small idea" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to introduce a modest concept or suggestion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Academia, with a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to manage expectations and avoid exaggerating the potential impact. Semantically related phrases include "a modest proposal" and "a tiny suggestion". By understanding its nuances, writers can effectively use "one small idea" to introduce new concepts with appropriate subtlety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a modest proposal

Emphasizes the unassuming nature of the suggestion.

a minor concept

Focuses on the limited scope of the idea.

a tiny suggestion

Highlights the diminutive scale of the idea.

a simple notion

Indicates the uncomplicated nature of the thought.

a little plan

Conveys the small scale and preliminary nature of the idea.

a humble suggestion

Highlights the unassuming and deferential nature of the idea.

a basic concept

Stresses the foundational aspect of the idea.

a fleeting thought

Implies the brief and perhaps underdeveloped nature of the idea.

an elementary concept

Focuses on the simple and fundamental aspect of the idea.

a preliminary thought

Highlights the initial and tentative nature of the idea.

FAQs

How can I use "one small idea" in a sentence?

You can use "one small idea" to introduce a concept or suggestion that is simple or modest in scope. For example, "I have "one small idea" that could improve our workflow significantly".

What can I say instead of "one small idea"?

You can use alternatives like "a modest proposal", "a minor concept", or "a tiny suggestion" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "one small idea" in formal writing?

Yes, "one small idea" can be used in formal writing, especially when introducing an initial or tentative suggestion. However, consider the context and audience; more formal alternatives might be preferable in some situations.

What's the difference between "one small idea" and "a major innovation"?

"One small idea" suggests a limited scope and potential impact, while "a major innovation" implies a significant and transformative change. Use "one small idea" when describing something incremental or preliminary.