promising idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "promising idea" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe an idea that appears to have potential or possibility for success. Example: The scientist presented a promising idea for a new renewable energy source that could revolutionize the industry.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Another initially promising idea is software allowing users to block messages containing words offensive to them personally, such as racial epithets.

The Guardian - Tech

Political infighting has reduced this promising idea to a shadow.

The Economist

Alice in art: what a promising idea for a show.

The Guardian - Books

One promising idea is to bond a GaAs layer to a silicon substrate for easier handling.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Vanguard is a "patient-centred medical home", an absurd term for a promising idea.

The Economist

One promising idea is universal prekindergarten, which is already in place in Oklahoma and Georgia.

The New York Times

It's a very promising idea, but even without that, Orbitz includes some nice touches.

The New York Times - Tech

Another promising idea is to incorporate rights-based fisheries with no-catch zones.

The Economist

She called the gas-fired plant a promising idea that needed to be studied thoroughly.

The New York Times

"The most promising idea right now is liquid fertilizer," Mr. Keleher said.

The New York Times

Admiral Mullen offered a promising idea: mandatory early screening of all soldiers to ease any stigma.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "promising idea", ensure the context provides some indication of why the idea is considered promising. This adds credibility and prevents the phrase from sounding like empty optimism.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling any new suggestion as a "promising idea" without providing supporting reasoning or evidence. Overusing the phrase without justification can weaken its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "promising idea" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "promising" modifies the noun "idea". It serves to characterize a particular idea as having potential or a good chance of success. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "promising idea" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a concept with potential for success. According to Ludwig AI, it commonly appears in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide supporting information to substantiate the claim of promise. Alternatives such as "viable concept" or "innovative thought" can offer nuanced meanings. Overall, "promising idea" is a versatile phrase for expressing optimism and encouraging further exploration of a concept across various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

viable concept

Emphasizes the feasibility and practicality of the idea.

innovative thought

Highlights the novelty and originality of the idea.

auspicious plan

Suggests the idea has favorable prospects for success.

potential solution

Focuses on the idea's capacity to resolve a problem.

brilliant notion

Implies the idea is exceptionally clever or insightful.

encouraging prospect

Highlights the optimistic outlook associated with the idea.

fruitful avenue

Suggests the idea could lead to productive results.

valuable approach

Emphasizes the worth and usefulness of the idea.

groundbreaking scheme

Highlights the revolutionary potential of the idea.

hopeful initiative

Emphasizes the positive expectations surrounding the idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "promising idea" to describe a concept that shows potential for success. For example, "Universal prekindergarten is one "promising idea" that is already in place in Oklahoma and Georgia."

What are some alternatives to "promising idea"?

Alternatives to "promising idea" include "viable concept", "innovative thought", or "potential solution". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect of the idea you want to emphasize.

Is "promising idea" formal or informal?

"Promising idea" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, more specific language might be preferred.

What makes an idea "promising"?

A "promising idea" typically exhibits characteristics such as potential for solving a problem, innovation, feasibility, and alignment with current needs or trends. It suggests that further exploration and development are warranted.