propagate the idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"propagate the idea" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to spread or promote an idea or belief to others. Example: The marketing team's main objective is to propagate the idea of sustainability and encourage customers to make eco-friendly choices.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

A self-fulfilling prophecy that suggests "fake it 'til you make it" is a valid approach to "becoming" an alpha male, and therefore propagate the idea.

The Guardian

McMillen's story was featured in the documentary "Indie Game: The Movie," which he believes helped propagate the idea that independent-game development is an easy route to wealth.

The New Yorker

Brown used the literary greats such as Voltaire, Milton and Joyce to propagate the idea that fairness, justice and equality had been defining British ideals that have formed the way we are.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hence they do not propagate the idea that the Hidden Imam will come soon.Iran's new president, Hassan Rohani, was one of the clerics who complained that the apocalyptic talk fostered by Mr Ahmadinejad was having unhealthy effects.

The Economist

He never missed an opportunity to propagate the idea of civilitas ("civilized life" or "civilization"), a concept that includes the maintenance of peace and order, racial harmony, and the outlawing of oppression and violence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I am deeply convinced that attempts to propagate the idea of building a Russian 'national' mono-ethnic state contradict all of our thousand-year history," Mr. Putin wrote in the essay, which was published on his Web site.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Containing 72,000 articles written by more than 140 contributors, the Encyclopdie was a massive reference work for the arts and sciences, as well as a machine de guerre which served to propagate the ideas of the French Enlightenment.

University of Chicago

The tone is sometimes critical, as when civic humanism is presented as a reductive pedagogical ideal relative to a full-fledged religious education desired by some, or found wanting by lecturers at the libertarian Objectivist Center founded to propagate the ideas of Ayn Rand.

SEP

After all, propagating the idea that mature women are necessarily unappealing isn't any more helpful than McClean's unrealistic proportions, now, is it?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Since the beginning of time, the world has revered early birds and propagated the idea that getting up with the lark makes you healthy, wealthy and wise.

The Guardian - Opinion

In "Regrets of an Accomplished Child" (Education Life, Nov. 4), Pamela Paul propagates the idea that Brown University and other institutions lacking core requirements foster academic idleness and complacency.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "propagate the idea", consider the connotations. It can imply a deliberate effort to spread a message, so ensure it aligns with your intended tone. If you aim to promote a positive or beneficial concept, this phrase works well. However, if the concept is questionable, consider using a more neutral term like "disseminate" or "mention".

Common error

While "propagate the idea" is grammatically correct, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by employing synonyms such as "promote", "disseminate", or "advance", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "propagate the idea" functions primarily as a verb phrase acting as the predicate of a clause. It describes the action of spreading or promoting a particular concept, belief, or viewpoint. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "propagate the idea" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies spreading or promoting a concept or belief, as confirmed by Ludwig. Analysis of its usage reveals that it appears most frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. While versatile, it's important to consider the connotations: "propagate" implies a deliberate effort, so the phrase should align with the intended tone. For alternatives, consider using "spread the notion", "promote the concept", or "disseminate the belief", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to vary your language to avoid sounding repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spread the notion

Uses "notion" instead of "idea", implying a possibly less substantiated concept.

promote the concept

Emphasizes active endorsement and advancement of the concept.

disseminate the belief

Suggests a broader distribution of a firmly held conviction.

advance the theory

Focuses on the progression and acceptance of a structured explanation.

popularize the view

Highlights making a specific perspective widely accepted.

foster the understanding

Implies nurturing and encouraging a shared comprehension.

inculcate the principle

Suggests instilling a fundamental truth or doctrine deeply.

champion the cause

Focuses on advocating for a specific movement or belief system.

peddle the myth

Conveys spreading a false or unfounded narrative, often for deceptive purposes.

broadcast the message

Highlights the wide and rapid communication of a particular piece of information.

FAQs

How can I use "propagate the idea" in a sentence?

You can use "propagate the idea" to describe the act of spreading or promoting a specific concept or belief. For example: "The organization aims to propagate the idea of environmental conservation through educational programs."

What are some alternatives to "propagate the idea"?

You can use alternatives like "spread the notion", "promote the concept", or "disseminate the belief" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "propagate the idea" or "spread the idea"?

Both "propagate the idea" and "spread the idea" are correct. "Propagate" suggests a more deliberate and active effort to promote something, while "spread" can imply a more passive or natural diffusion.

What's the difference between "propagate the idea" and "promote the idea"?

"Propagate the idea" and "promote the idea" are quite similar. "Promote" generally focuses on advancing something's popularity or acceptance. "Propagate" can also refer to multiplication or reproduction, hinting at a wider dissemination.