start the idea of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start the idea of" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when introducing a concept or initiating a discussion about a particular idea, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "We need to start the idea of collaboration among different departments to improve efficiency."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

From the very start, the idea of a common European currency was built on a logical flaw.

The Guardian - Opinion

For a start, the idea of becoming a councillor just doesn't occur to most people.

The Guardian - Money

WHEN Kevin Rose, a former host on the TechTV channel, created Digg in 2004 — before Facebook caught on and two years before Twitter's start — the idea of a "social news" site, with content chosen by citizen-editors, was novel.

The New York Times - Tech

For a start, the idea of creating two tiers of schools - one of the most potent criticisms of academies - runs directly counter to everything he stands for, because he was born near Croydon, south London, 52 years ago, and went to a secondary modern school there.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Carmen Callil first started the idea of a feminist press ten years ago.

The Guardian - Books

"Altman started the idea of adult neurogenesis, but his data weren't convincing," says Nottebohm.

The Guardian

Sol Gittleman is the university provost who started the idea of the free giveaways because he felt that when students read about Armenia or the Persian Gulf they should know where these places are.

The New Yorker

The company's Newton kick started the idea of mobile computing in 1993 before morphing into a limited "personal digital assistant".

Forbes

The gist: Netflix started the idea of watching shows in excess -- that is, watching seasons of a show all at once based on various reccomendations.

Huffington Post

The years go by and so on and so forth and what started the idea of doing Jersey Boys--although that wasn't the name at the time.

Huffington Post

"You get to about 50 and you start liking the idea of spending a night at home," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "start the idea of", consider if a more direct verb like "introduce", "initiate", or "propose" might be more effective for clarity and conciseness.

Common error

Avoid turning verbs into nouns unnecessarily; instead of "start the idea of", try using a more active verb phrase like "initiate the concept" or "introduce the idea" for a more dynamic and engaging sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start the idea of" functions as a verb phrase that introduces or initiates a concept or plan. It sets the stage for further discussion or development of the mentioned idea. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is acceptable but not the most common choice.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start the idea of" is used to introduce a new concept or initiate a discussion. While grammatically acceptable, according to Ludwig AI, it is not the most common or concise choice. More direct alternatives like "initiate the concept of" or "introduce the notion of" might be preferable in many contexts. The phrase appears across various sources, including News & Media and Science, but with relatively low frequency. To enhance clarity and impact, consider replacing "start the idea of" with stronger verbs that directly convey the act of introducing or initiating a concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate the concept of

Focuses on the formal commencement of a concept or plan.

introduce the notion of

Emphasizes bringing a new idea to someone's attention.

begin to contemplate the idea of

Highlights the initial stages of considering or thinking about an idea.

originate the thought of

Stresses the origin or source of an idea or plan.

conceive the plan of

Suggests the formation or invention of a detailed plan.

pioneer the concept of

Implies being the first to develop or introduce an idea.

lay the groundwork for the idea of

Highlights preparing the foundation or basis for a subsequent idea.

spark the thought of

Indicates triggering or instigating the beginning of a thought process.

germinate the idea of

Implies the slow development and growth of an idea from its initial stage.

formulate the concept of

Emphasizes the precise and structured development of a concept.

FAQs

How can I use "start the idea of" in a sentence?

You can use "start the idea of" to introduce a concept or initiate a discussion. For example, "Let's start the idea of collaboration among different departments to improve efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "start the idea of"?

Alternatives include "initiate the concept of", "introduce the notion of", or "begin to contemplate the idea of", depending on the context.

Is "start the idea of" grammatically correct?

While not incorrect, "start the idea of" can sound awkward. More direct verbs like "introduce" or "initiate" often create clearer and more concise sentences. Ludwig AI identifies it as an acceptable but uncommon phrase.

What's the difference between "start the idea of" and "develop the idea of"?

"Start the idea of" refers to the initial introduction of a concept, whereas "develop the idea of" implies expanding on or refining a concept that already exists.