pioneering notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pioneering notion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an innovative idea or concept that is groundbreaking or ahead of its time. Example: "The scientist introduced a pioneering notion that could revolutionize renewable energy sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Luther Emmett Holt, a parenting expert from the early twentieth century, encouraged mothers to keep detailed records of their children's progress, pioneering "the notion of child-rearing as a project, a course in which a mother might get an A or an F, which has been a primary fount of parental anxiety ever since".

The New Yorker

He told me he believes the problems in the Netherlands today mostly stem from the fact that the Dutch don't read their own history and aren't aware of their traditions, including both pioneering the notion of tolerance and trying to define its appropriate limits.

The New York Times - Magazine

Those who banded together in the 60's to find better ways to work in dance were pioneering the notion of community in a historically rivalrous field (on a shared program of 1930, Martha Graham told her dancers not to converse backstage with the Humphrey Weidman dancers).

The New York Times - Arts

Akamai, an American internet firm, pioneered the notion.

The Economist

It pioneered the notion of "molecular gastronomy", won its third Michelin star in 1997, and closed in 2011.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Slote, while still a doctoral student, pioneered the notion of precisely monitoring patterns of usage in libraries.

The New York Times - Arts

"The Observer's legendary editor David Astor (1948-75) pioneered the notion of a quality Sunday newspaper and championed the notion of a 'paper of ideas'.

The Guardian

Instead, 30 years after Alice Waters pioneered the notion of cooking locally and seasonally in this country, chefs are simply shopping globally.

The New York Times - Food

And in a state that might have pioneered the notion of identity politics, these races show that women are the last voters that Ms. Whitman and Ms. Fiorina should be counting on.

The New York Times

Touring from the Honolulu Academy of the Arts, this show takes a look at the career of an innovative architect and designer who pioneered the notion of site-sensitive planning and design along with the concept of sustainable building.

The New York Times

While Americans may well stake their own nationalist claim to having pioneered the notion of "happiness" as a "self-evident truth" and "inalienable right," dating back to Thomas Jefferson's 1776 Declaration of Independence, the Dragon King puts a distinctly Bhutanese point on the matter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pioneering notion" to describe an idea that significantly departs from existing norms and opens up new possibilities. It's particularly effective when discussing advancements in technology, science, or social thought.

Common error

Avoid using "pioneering notion" for commonplace ideas. Reserve it for concepts that genuinely represent a significant leap forward, as overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pioneering notion" functions as a noun phrase, where "pioneering" acts as an adjective modifying "notion". It describes the characteristic of the notion. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pioneering notion" is a grammatically sound and impactful way to describe an idea that is both innovative and groundbreaking. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, the absence of examples suggests it might not be the most frequently used expression. Alternatives like "groundbreaking concept" or "innovative idea" may be considered depending on the specific context. When using "pioneering notion", ensure that the idea truly represents a significant advancement to avoid diluting its meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

groundbreaking concept

Emphasizes the innovative and impactful nature of the idea.

innovative idea

Focuses on the novelty and creativity of the thought.

trailblazing concept

Highlights the idea's role in leading the way for others.

revolutionary concept

Suggests the idea brings about significant change or upheaval.

cutting-edge idea

Emphasizes the modernity and advanced nature of the concept.

forward-thinking concept

Focuses on the idea's orientation towards the future.

novel idea

Highlights the originality and uniqueness of the concept.

original concept

Stresses that the idea is not derived from anything else.

visionary idea

Implies the idea is insightful and demonstrates foresight.

pathbreaking idea

Similar to trailblazing, but with a slightly different connotation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "pioneering notion" in a sentence?

Use "pioneering notion" to highlight an idea that is innovative and groundbreaking, setting it apart from conventional thinking. For instance, "The scientist introduced a "pioneering notion" in the field of renewable energy".

What are some alternatives to "pioneering notion"?

Alternatives include "groundbreaking concept", "innovative idea", or "trailblazing concept". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "pioneering notion" and "innovative idea"?

While both terms suggest novelty, "pioneering notion" often implies a more significant departure from existing norms and a greater impact on the field. An "innovative idea" might be a clever improvement, whereas a "pioneering notion" reshapes the landscape.

Can "pioneering notion" be used in any context?

While grammatically correct in most contexts, "pioneering notion" is best suited for formal or semi-formal settings where you want to emphasize the originality and impact of an idea. Avoid using it in casual conversations.