our idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "our idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a concept or plan that is shared among a group or team. Example: "Our idea for the project is to focus on sustainability and innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He stole our idea".

The New York Times

"Our idea was very simple.

The New York Times

It was our idea.

The New York Times

The subsidy program was our idea".

The New York Times

Our idea is, let the conversation happen".

The New York Times

"This whole thing wasn't even our idea.

The New York Times - Sports

Or to our idea of justice?

The New York Times - Magazine

"Our idea is that simple," he says.

The Guardian

"That was our idea," Manley says.

The New York Times - Magazine

"That was our idea," she would think.

The New York Times - Food

Our idea is that the Treasury Dept.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "our idea", clearly articulate its core components and intended outcomes to ensure shared understanding within the team.

Common error

Don't assume everyone interprets "our idea" the same way. Explicitly define the key elements and expected results to avoid misinterpretations and ensure alignment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our idea" functions as a noun phrase, where "our" is a possessive pronoun modifying the noun "idea". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "our idea" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression for referring to a shared concept, plan, or belief. As shown by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase and is employed across a wide range of contexts, from News & Media to scientific and academic writing. While versatile, it is important to be mindful of potential misinterpretations and ensure clear communication when presenting "our idea". Consider using alternatives like "our concept" or "our proposal" for a more formal tone when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our concept

Replaces "idea" with a more formal synonym, focusing on the conceptual nature of the shared understanding.

our proposal

Suggests a more concrete and actionable plan than a general "idea".

our plan

Emphasizes the structured and organized aspect of the shared intention.

our suggestion

Indicates a less forceful or definitive approach, implying a recommendation rather than a firm decision.

our vision

Implies a broader, more aspirational perspective than a simple "idea".

our shared understanding

Highlights the mutual agreement and comprehension of a particular concept.

our perspective

Focuses on a particular way of viewing something collectively.

our approach

Emphasizes a method or way of dealing with a situation or problem.

the consensus

Highlights the shared agreement reached by a group, often after discussion.

the master plan

Suggests a very detailed, organized, and comprehensive idea.

FAQs

How can I use "our idea" in a sentence?

You can use "our idea" to refer to a concept, plan, or suggestion that is shared by a group. For example: "Our idea is to focus on sustainable practices" or "The success of the project hinges on the execution of our idea".

What's a more formal way to say "our idea"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "our proposal", "our concept", or "our plan", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever appropriate to use "our idea" in academic writing?

Yes, it is appropriate when referring to a shared hypothesis, research direction, or interpretation within a collaborative research project. It's essential to clearly indicate the collaborative nature of the idea.

What's the difference between "our idea" and "our opinion"?

"Our idea" typically refers to a plan, concept, or suggestion, while "our opinion" expresses a belief or viewpoint. The former is more about a proposed action, while the latter is about a judgment or assessment.