origin of the idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "origin of the idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the source or initial concept behind a particular thought, theory, or creation. Example: "The origin of the idea for this project came from a brainstorming session we had last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

There are varied accounts of the origin of the idea of the Pony Express.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The origin of the idea of a terrorist-friendly America is opaque.

The New York Times

Midweek, Donald Tusk shed more light on the origin of the idea that the transition period could be extended.

The Guardian

His major work is Der Ursprung der Gottesidee, 12 vol. (1912 55; "The Origin of the Idea of God").

Encyclopedia Britannica

I don't know the origin of the idea that writers are such delicate creatures, barely able to withstand public scrutiny of their genius, but it seems ever-present.

The New Yorker

The origin of the idea that parents and children could be buddies is hard to pin down, said Jean Twenge, professor of psychology at San Diego State University.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It is divided into three books: Book I, "Of the Understanding," discusses, in order, the origin of ideas; the ideas of space and time; knowledge and probability, including the nature of causality; and the skeptical implications of those theories.

Britannica

It wasn't until then that I was coming up with the origin of the ideas.

The Guardian - Music

This classification of propositions, founded only on the structural properties of ideas, is the logical counterpart of Kant's distinction between a priori and a posteriori judgments, which is relative to the origin of the ideas that occur in them and defined in subjective terms (TS, §§ 133, 306).

SEP

And the origin of this idea of the shoe as a magical object stems, in large part, from the way Manolo designs them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We consider the origins of the idea of the critic in nineteenth-century culture, its development in the twentieth century, and its current exponents, revisionists, and dissenters.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "origin of the idea", provide context about the environment or circumstances that fostered its development to give readers a comprehensive understanding.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on personal interpretations when discussing the "origin of the idea". Instead, offer evidence-based information or factual accounts to support your claims and maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "origin of the idea" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "origin of the idea" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to discuss the beginning or source of a concept. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and versatility across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific domains. Related phrases like ""provenance of the idea"" and ""source of the idea"" offer similar meanings, each with slightly different nuances. When using "origin of the idea", it’s best to provide relevant context to give a comprehensive picture and avoid overly subjective interpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provenance of the idea

Focuses on the history and source of the idea.

beginning of the idea

Highlights the initial stage or starting point of the idea.

source of the idea

Emphasizes the root or where the idea comes from.

root of the idea

Implies the fundamental cause or basis of the idea.

beginnings of the idea

Focuses on the early stages and development of the idea.

sources of the idea

Indicates multiple origins or influences contributing to the idea.

origin of the ideas

Pluralizing "ideas" broadens the focus to multiple related concepts.

inception of the idea

Highlights the formal start or creation of the idea.

rise of the idea

Emphasizes the emergence and increasing prominence of the idea.

birth of the idea

Metaphorically represents the idea's initial creation or conception.

FAQs

How can I use "origin of the idea" in a sentence?

You can use "origin of the idea" to discuss the source or starting point of a concept. For example: "The "origin of the idea" for the project came from a brainstorming session."

What are some alternatives to "origin of the idea"?

Alternatives include "provenance of the idea", "source of the idea", or "beginning of the idea". Choose the best alternative depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "origin of the idea" or "origins of the idea"?

The choice depends on whether you are referring to a single idea's source ("origin of the idea") or discussing the various sources of multiple, related ideas ("origins of the idea").

What's the difference between "origin of the idea" and "inception of the idea"?

"Inception of the idea" emphasizes the formal beginning or creation of a concept, while ""origin of the idea"" refers more broadly to its source or starting point. Inception indicates a more defined starting point.