someone has an idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "someone has an idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a person has conceived a thought or plan about something. Example: "During the meeting, someone has an idea that could potentially improve our marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Make sure someone has an idea of your schedule beforehand, and do some pre-departure research about which areas tourists should avoid.

The Guardian

That way if someone has an idea they can just wave, and they're not all trapped behind walls and doors as we are at the moment".

The Guardian

If someone has an idea for a special class to teach -- writing, computers, career counseling -- Mr. Poleon would be happy to arrange for that as well.

The New York Times

"If someone has an idea for an online business, they can either execute the idea or try to become a telephone company," he said.

The New York Times

You want pretty clear evidence that someone has an idea how to work in an office and how publishing structures work".

The Guardian - Money

Nordstrom's Innovation Lab works on one-week experiments – someone has an idea and over the space of one week the team test a concept to see if it works for the customer or not.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Someone had an idea: why not raise cash by dumping the company's surplus tea on the American market?

The New Yorker

Doesn't someone have an idea?

Forbes

One time Dana was drawing an upside-down cross but it was getting really messed up so someone had an idea to put balls on it.

Vice

One time Dana was drawing an upside-down cross, but it was getting really messed up, so someone had an idea to put balls on it.

Vice

When someone had an idea, whether in ceramic or steel, they'd make it, find out what's wrong with it, rework it, and learn from it.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "someone has an idea", ensure the context clearly indicates whose idea it is and what the idea pertains to. Provide enough detail to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "someone has an idea" without specifying who "someone" is, or what the idea actually involves. This lack of context can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "someone has an idea" functions as a statement expressing the existence of a thought or concept in a person's mind. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from business to creative endeavors. It is a simple declarative statement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "someone has an idea" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to introduce the presence of a thought or concept in a person's mind. While applicable across various contexts, it appears most frequently in News & Media. To enhance clarity, it's important to specify whose idea it is and provide sufficient context. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility, and while alternatives like "an individual conceives a notion" exist, the original phrase remains a direct and effective way to communicate the emergence of a new thought.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an individual conceives a notion

Replaces "someone" with "an individual" and "idea" with "notion", adding a formal tone.

a thought occurs to somebody

Expresses the same meaning from a different perspective, focusing on the thought's appearance rather than the person's action.

someone comes up with a suggestion

Replaces "idea" with "suggestion", implying a specific proposal for a course of action.

a person originates a concept

Substitutes "someone" with "a person" and "has an idea" with "originates a concept", using slightly more formal language.

a person hits upon a thought

Uses the idiom "hits upon" to suggest a sudden or accidental discovery of an idea.

someone develops a concept

Suggests a more gradual and involved process of idea formation.

an individual formulates a plan

Focuses specifically on the planning aspect of having an idea, implying a more concrete and actionable thought.

a brainwave strikes someone

Employs the term "brainwave" to denote a sudden, brilliant idea.

a person generates a thought

Uses "generates" to indicate the creation of an idea, emphasizing the active role of the person.

a solution dawns on somebody

Focuses on the problem-solving aspect of having an idea, with a sense of realization.

FAQs

What does "someone has an idea" mean?

The phrase "someone has an idea" means that a person has conceived a thought, plan, or suggestion. It indicates the genesis of a new concept or approach in someone's mind.

How can I use "someone has an idea" in a sentence?

You can use the phrase to introduce a new concept or suggestion. For example, "During the meeting, "someone has an idea" to improve efficiency."

What are some alternatives to saying "someone has an idea"?

Alternatives include "an individual conceives a notion", "a person originates a concept", or "a thought occurs to somebody", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "someone has an idea" or "someone comes up with an idea"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. "Someone comes up with an idea" is slightly more informal and suggests the idea may have been discovered or created after some thought or effort, while ""someone has an idea"" is more neutral.