serious idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a concept or thought that is significant or worthy of consideration. Example: "After much deliberation, I believe we have a serious idea that could revolutionize our approach to marketing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Not even a serious idea.

The New York Times - Magazine

"More people understand this time around that you have to have a serious idea," he said.

The New York Times

Yet, underlying the prejudice, there's a deep and serious idea that repays attention.

The New Yorker

"Behind the fun is the serious idea that people want to control light," he said.

The Guardian

Often enough, something we propose as a serious idea turns out to be more or less a joke.

The New Yorker

The genius of Britain is continuity, a very serious idea of which William and Kate now become part.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

His was a world of serious ideas — and serious wealth.

The New York Times

Or are serious suds and serious ideas a cinematic oxymoron?

The New York Times

Voters wants to be led by serious politicians with serious ideas.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I want to hear some serious ideas — ideas that I can understand".

The New York Times

A couple of serious ideas struggle to assert themselves, but halfheartedly.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "serious idea", ensure it is well-researched and supported by evidence to enhance its credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "serious idea" as groundbreaking without acknowledging existing work or considering potential limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious idea" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective 'serious' modifies the noun 'idea'. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used to denote a concept or proposal worthy of careful attention and consideration. It can be found across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious idea" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a concept that deserves careful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and relevance across various contexts, particularly in news and media, formal business settings, and encyclopedias. While it maintains a neutral to professional tone, depending on the context, it's crucial to ensure that any "serious idea" presented is well-supported and thoroughly researched to enhance its credibility. Alternatives like "significant concept" or "viable proposal" can be used to subtly shift the emphasis on importance or practicality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant concept

Emphasizes the importance or consequence of the idea.

viable proposal

Highlights the practicality and feasibility of the idea.

thoughtful consideration

Focuses on the depth and care given to developing the idea.

well-developed concept

Implies the idea has been elaborated upon and refined.

substantial notion

Indicates the idea has weight and merit.

concrete plan

Highlights that the idea is actionable and specific.

meaningful suggestion

Focuses on the relevance and value of the idea.

profound insight

Highlights the depth and originality of the idea.

important consideration

Stresses that the idea is worthy of being taken into account.

practical approach

Emphasizes the down-to-earth and actionable aspect of the idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious idea" to describe a concept that requires careful consideration. For example, "The committee is evaluating each "serious idea" presented to improve employee satisfaction".

What are some alternatives to "serious idea"?

Alternatives include "significant concept", "viable proposal", or "thoughtful consideration", each emphasizing different aspects of the idea's importance.

Is "serious idea" formal or informal?

"Serious idea" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the setting. It's commonly found in news articles and business discussions.

What makes an idea "serious"?

A "serious idea" is typically well-thought-out, addresses a significant problem, and is presented with the intent of being carefully evaluated and potentially implemented.