string of ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "string of ideas" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sequence or collection of thoughts or concepts that are connected or related in some way. Example: "During the brainstorming session, we generated a string of ideas that could potentially lead to innovative solutions for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

How, for instance, do you measure the value of a string of ideas coming out of a marketing department?If knowledge worker A works for ten hours and knowledge worker B for eight hours, most people will assume that B has the easier job, not that he is more efficient at it.

The Economist

A lot of excellent songs are written as a single string of ideas instead of one idea repeated multiple times.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The picture is a string of obvious ideas about art, ambition, and striving for success.

The Guardian

For me Replicas was a string of little ideas that started out as short stories but came to fruition as an album.

The Guardian - Music

And consider the following descriptions: "His musical structures are designed around the internal organization of related series of sounds"; and "Motifs are often inspired by specific intervals that then pervade the melody, and individual lines are at times composed of a string of related ideas".

The New Yorker

"Wouldn't that be much funnier?" Tatum asked them, before offering the team a string of crude ideas — almost all involving the body parts of elderly women — for their next sketch.

Los Angeles Times

But would you tell a builder to get the skyscraper up any way he or she could, and then to go back and start working on the foundations?... Why burn through limited time and brain cells trying to coax coherence out of a ramshackle string of half-baked ideas embedded in badly written sentences when you could be forging your verbal chain one exquisite and unbreakable link at a time?

The New Yorker

To find an example of a fundamental scientific controversy, we can turn to physics, where scientists currently disagree about the validity of string theory, a set of ideas that could reshape theoretical physics.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Most security types in Delhi have no time for the "string of pearls" theory the idea that China is seeking to encircle India in its alliances with Pakistan and other neighbours.

The Economist

Perhaps her extraterrestrial origins explain Ouch's peculiarities, but it seems more likely that Ms. Fillieres in composing her script strung together a bunch of ideas that seemed promising without giving much thought to how they might cohere.

The New York Times

My voice definitely helps me to think of ideas for string parts.Some of your versions sound more exciting than the originals.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "string of ideas" when you want to emphasize a loose or informal connection between thoughts, rather than a rigid or structured sequence. For more formal contexts, consider "series" or "sequence".

Common error

Avoid using "string of ideas" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and structured alternatives like "logical sequence" or "coherent framework" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "string of ideas" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a collection or sequence of thoughts or concepts, as confirmed by Ludwig. The phrase suggests a connected series of thoughts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "string of ideas" is a grammatically sound and generally accepted way to describe a sequence or collection of related thoughts, as Ludwig AI confirms. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as on wikis, but may be too informal for strict academic or business writing. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, such as the interconnectedness (e.g., "chain of concepts") or sequential nature (e.g., "series of thoughts"). Using "string of ideas" appropriately can enhance your writing by providing a descriptive and relatable term for connected thoughts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chain of concepts

Emphasizes the interconnected nature of the ideas, similar to a chain.

series of thoughts

Highlights the sequential nature of the ideas.

succession of notions

Focuses on the sequential and abstract character of the ideas.

sequence of concepts

Similar to "series of thoughts", emphasizing order.

stream of consciousness

Implies a continuous flow of connected thoughts and feelings.

train of thought

Highlights the progression and direction of the ideas.

collection of thoughts

Stresses the accumulation and variety of the ideas.

group of ideas

Indicates a cluster or set of related concepts.

flow of thoughts

Focuses on the fluid and dynamic movement of ideas.

progression of thoughts

Emphasizes the development and advancement of the ideas.

FAQs

How can I use "string of ideas" in a sentence?

You can use "string of ideas" to describe a succession of thoughts or concepts. For example, "The brainstorming session produced a long string of ideas, some more viable than others."

What are some alternatives to "string of ideas"?

Alternatives include "chain of concepts", "series of thoughts", or "succession of notions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "string of ideas" too informal for academic writing?

While "string of ideas" is understandable, it may be perceived as too informal for strict academic writing. Consider using terms like "logical sequence" or "coherent framework" to maintain a higher level of formality.

What is the difference between "string of ideas" and "train of thought"?

"String of ideas" refers to a collection or sequence of thoughts, while "train of thought" describes the continuous flow and progression of one's thinking process. The latter often implies a more linear and connected progression.