raw idea

USAGE SUMMARY

'raw idea' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an initial idea that is still in its early form and could use some refining or shaping before it is fully developed. For example, "I just had a raw idea for a new business model - let's discuss it and see how we can build on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

You start out with that raw idea, but then you get on to the mechanical brain train.

The Guardian - Music

But he made it clear that contributions from Mr. Chen and Mr. Hurley were essential in turning his raw idea into what eventually became YouTube.

The New York Times - Tech

"I grew up in that Hollywood environment, watching my father take a raw idea and making it progressively real," Mr. Brown said.

The New York Times

But I was interested in the first, the raw idea, especially after she described to me their conversation when Lowry first showed it to her. "What do you think it is, Mrs Marshall?" "I don't rightly know, Mr Lowry".

The Guardian - Arts

Sculptures like these, from Mr. Oppenheim's Factories series, combined aspects of machines and industrial architecture with intimations of mysterious human processes, presenting what he called "a parallel to the mental processing of a raw idea" by both the artist and the viewer.

The New York Times - Arts

Working on the game's concept and visuals, Tardy produced the raw idea of MGNTRN.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Whatever the future holds, Hippeas has proven the potential of raw new ideas.

Forbes

The result is a unique showcase of raw talent, raw ideas, and raw passion.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The dizzying array of wares ranges from raw ideas and patents to market-ready new products.

Harvard Business Review

This method falls between the two extremes of shopping for raw ideas and market-ready products.

Harvard Business Review

The album is a delight, because it exhibits so few pretensions and has so many raw ideas flying through it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "raw idea" when you want to convey the initial, unrefined state of a concept, signaling openness to modification and enhancement.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "raw idea" as a fully developed strategy. Overstating its readiness can lead to miscommunication and premature implementation, potentially wasting resources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raw idea" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "raw" modifies the noun "idea". As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is both grammatically correct and appropriate for describing an initial concept that requires further development. Examples showcase its role in various fields, from art to business.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "raw idea" accurately describes a concept in its initial, undeveloped form. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability across various contexts. While the phrase is relatively rare, it is most frequently found in news and media, academic settings, and science. For more formal writing, synonyms like "nascent idea" or "preliminary notion" might be more appropriate. When using "raw idea", make sure to provide context indicating its preliminary nature and need for further development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial concept

Emphasizes that it's the very first concept.

rough concept

Similar to "raw idea", but emphasizes the unpolished nature of the concept.

undeveloped concept

Emphasizes the lack of development or refinement of the idea.

basic idea

Highlights the fundamental and simple nature of the idea.

nascent idea

Highlights the emerging or beginning stage of the idea.

unrefined thought

Highlights the lack of refinement or detail in the thought.

unformed notion

Stresses the lack of a defined shape or structure of the idea.

preliminary notion

Focuses on the initial and tentative nature of the idea.

early stage concept

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the concept's development.

germinal idea

Focuses on the seed-like or beginning stage of the idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "raw idea" to describe a concept in its early stages. For example, "The project started with just a "raw idea", but it quickly evolved into a comprehensive plan".

What are some alternatives to saying "raw idea"?

Alternatives include "initial concept", "preliminary notion", or "undeveloped concept". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "raw idea" appropriate in formal writing?

While "raw idea" is understandable, in formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "nascent idea" or "germinal idea" to maintain a professional tone.

What does it mean to call an idea "raw"?

Calling an idea "raw" means it's in its most basic, unrefined form. It implies that the idea needs further development, analysis, and refinement before it can be fully realized or implemented.