suggest an idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"suggest an idea" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is offering or proposing a particular idea or suggestion. For example: - Can you suggest an idea for our next project? - During the brainstorming session, the team members suggested various ideas for the marketing campaign. - The teacher asked the students to suggest ideas for improving the school's recycling program. - My boss always encourages us to suggest new ideas to improve the company's operations. - The committee is looking for fresh perspectives, so feel free to suggest any ideas you may have.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Next, let each word suggest an idea or a thought.

The Guardian

Bernat wondered if she could suggest "an idea for the future.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

You can suggest an idea, and a group of employees evaluate it.

The Washington Post

It's exactly as it sounds – you build a corporate culture where anyone can suggest an idea and start a project.

University of California, Berkeley

But, unfortunately, "The Girlfriend Experience" takes six hours to suggest an idea that it never develops or realizes.

The New Yorker

You'd suggest an idea and they'd say, 'No, I can't do that.' They'd say no, even before they tried".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

My pastor suggested an idea that I liked.

The New York Times

This suggested an idea to the Queen of Scots.

The New York Times

"I suggested an idea to the council, that's it".

The New York Times

Uber did just this when a recent hire suggested an idea for a new offering.

Harvard Business Review

"The other students with me on the bridge?" he said, as if suggesting an idea.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suggest an idea", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are offering a potential solution or concept for consideration. Be prepared to elaborate on your suggestion and provide supporting details.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "I suggest an idea" without providing any details about the idea itself. Always follow up with a clear and concise explanation of your suggestion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suggest an idea" functions as a verb phrase used to introduce a proposal or concept. It invites the listener or reader to consider a new thought or approach. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s a common expression for offering solutions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

27%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suggest an idea" is a common and grammatically correct way to propose a new concept or solution. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. Analysis reveals its versatility across different registers, making it suitable for both formal and informal settings. The phrase is frequently used in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki content. Related phrases include "propose a concept" and "offer a suggestion", providing alternatives to express similar meanings. When using the phrase, it's important to follow up with clear details about the idea to ensure effective communication. Remember to clearly define the idea following the suggestion for clarity. Several authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Forbes validate its widespread use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

propose a concept

Uses "propose" instead of "suggest", emphasizing a more formal introduction of an idea.

offer a suggestion

Replaces "idea" with "suggestion", focusing on providing advice or a course of action.

put forward a proposal

Emphasizes the action of presenting an idea for consideration, often in a more formal setting.

float an idea

Implies a more tentative or exploratory introduction of an idea.

present a thought

Replaces "idea" with "thought", suggesting a more informal or preliminary concept.

advance a concept

Focuses on moving an idea forward for discussion or implementation.

table a suggestion

Similar to suggest but implies formally presenting it to a group for discussion.

introduce an initiative

Implies suggesting an idea that involves a specific action or plan.

posit a theory

Presents a theory, implying a more complex or academic idea.

proffer a thought

Offers a thought, similar to suggest, but with a slightly more formal or deliberate tone.

FAQs

How can I use "suggest an idea" in a sentence?

You can use "suggest an idea" to propose a concept or solution. For example, "Can you "suggest an idea" for our next marketing campaign?"

What is a more formal way to say "suggest an idea"?

More formal alternatives include "propose a concept" or "put forward a proposal". These phrases are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "suggest an idea" and "offer a suggestion"?

"Suggest an idea" is a broader term referring to the presentation of a new concept. "Offer a suggestion" is often used when giving advice or a solution to a specific problem.

When is it appropriate to "float an idea" instead of "suggest an idea"?

"Float an idea" implies a more tentative introduction of an idea, often to gauge reactions before fully committing to it. It's suitable when you're uncertain about the reception or viability of the idea.