some idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"some idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun phrase describing a concept that is not yet well-defined. For example: "I just had some idea about how to solve the problem, but I need to think it through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Carr had only some idea.

The New York Times - Sports

And give some idea of what's feasible.

The New York Times - Travel

Have some idea of what you want.

The Guardian - Money

(Netflix itself will, presumably, have some idea).

The New Yorker

It gives you some idea of the sums involved".

The New York Times

Bumped into some people I did some idea sharing with.

The New York Times

A look at Armenia may give some idea.

The Economist

The electorate gets some idea of the choice before it.

The Guardian - Opinion

" But Dr Clegg, you must have some idea".

Independent

But we have some idea how that might play out.

The Economist

Now, apparently, we have some idea of how many.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "some idea" to indicate a preliminary or not fully formed thought. It's useful when you want to express that you have a basic concept without implying complete understanding or certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "some idea" when you actually possess detailed knowledge. Using it in such cases can undermine your credibility or suggest a lack of confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some idea" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "have", "give", "get"). It indicates a preliminary or incomplete understanding of something, as evidenced by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "some idea" is a common noun phrase used to indicate a basic or incomplete understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, be mindful of overstating your certainty and consider more precise language if you possess detailed knowledge. Related phrases like "a basic understanding" or "a rough notion" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a basic understanding

Focuses on the foundational level of comprehension, implying a less detailed grasp than "some idea".

a preliminary concept

Highlights the early stage of development, implying a less refined idea than "some idea".

a rough notion

Emphasizes the imprecise or preliminary nature of the thought, suggesting a less refined concept than "some idea".

a general sense

Stresses the overall feeling or awareness, implying a less specific concept than "some idea".

a tentative thought

Stresses the uncertainty or hesitation, conveying a less firm conviction than "some idea".

a vague impression

Highlights the lack of clarity and detail, conveying a less distinct mental image than "some idea".

a glimmer of understanding

Emphasizes the initial or incomplete nature of comprehension, suggesting a less developed grasp than "some idea".

an inkling

Emphasizes the intuitive and uncertain nature of the thought, suggesting a less concrete concept than "some idea".

a slight clue

Suggests a hint or indication, conveying a less comprehensive concept than "some idea".

a distant memory

Refers to a recollection that is not precise or complete, but rather faint and blurred.

FAQs

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

You can use "some idea" to express that you have a basic or initial concept about something, such as "I have "some idea" of how to fix the problem, but I need to investigate further".

What are some alternatives to "some idea"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a basic understanding", "a rough notion", or "a general sense".

Is it appropriate to use "some idea" in formal writing?

While "some idea" is generally acceptable, in highly formal contexts, consider using more precise language to convey your level of understanding or knowledge. For example, instead of using "some idea" use alternatives such as "a preliminary concept".

What's the difference between "some idea" and "detailed knowledge"?

"Some idea" indicates a basic or incomplete understanding, while "detailed knowledge" implies a comprehensive and thorough grasp of the subject. They are used in completely different contexts.