suggested the idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suggested the idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone proposing a concept or plan to others. Example: "During the meeting, Sarah suggested the idea of implementing a new marketing strategy to boost sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I called Cotton and suggested the idea.

The New Yorker

"They suggested the idea," Mr. Hastings said.

The New York Times

Mrs. Clinton suggested the idea.

The New York Times

There is also dispute over who suggested the idea.

The Guardian - Opinion

But when I suggested the idea they responded with enthusiasm.

The Guardian - Travel

McNair suggested the idea of cleaning out lockers to Smith.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Liguori suggested the idea in a simple phrase: "Cop show, New Orleans".

The New York Times - Arts

He suggested the idea of the novel to Elizabeth Jordan, the editor of Harper's Bazar.

The New York Times - Books

But when I suggested the idea of a serialized novel in tweets, his eyes brightened.

The New Yorker

Naderi had suggested the idea to Karzai, only to be told that no woman was qualified.

The New Yorker

Former ITV chairman Michael Grade suggested the idea three years ago.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suggested the idea", ensure the context provides enough information about the nature of the idea and its intended recipient.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "suggested the idea" in every instance. Vary your language by using more descriptive verbs that better capture the nuance of the suggestion, such as "recommended", "proposed", or "introduced". This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suggested the idea" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, typically indicating the act of proposing or introducing a concept or plan. Ludwig AI shows this phrase being used across various contexts to denote the initiation of a thought.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "suggested the idea" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to convey that someone has proposed a particular concept or plan. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral register suitable for broad application. While it's a versatile phrase, consider using stronger verbs for more impactful writing. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is a practical and clear way to communicate the act of proposing a concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proposed the concept

Focuses on a more formal and structured presentation of an idea.

put forward the notion

Implies a tentative offering of an idea for consideration.

introduced the thought

Emphasizes the act of bringing an idea into awareness or discussion.

advanced the proposal

Highlights the promotion or advocacy of a specific plan.

floated the possibility

Indicates a preliminary and exploratory introduction of an idea.

tabled the suggestion

Refers to the act of formally presenting a suggestion for discussion.

offered the perspective

Focuses on providing a particular viewpoint or way of thinking.

presented the plan

Implies a detailed and structured unveiling of an idea.

articulated the vision

Emphasizes a clear and comprehensive expression of a long-term idea.

broached the subject

Signifies the initial and often cautious introduction of a topic.

FAQs

How can I use "suggested the idea" in a sentence?

You can use "suggested the idea" to indicate that someone proposed a specific concept or plan. For example, "During the meeting, Sarah "suggested the idea" of implementing a new marketing strategy."

What are some alternatives to "suggested the idea"?

Alternatives include "proposed the concept", "put forward the notion", or "introduced the thought", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "suggested the idea"?

Yes, "suggested the idea" is grammatically correct and widely used in English. It clearly conveys that someone proposed a specific concept for consideration.

What's the difference between "suggested the idea" and "proposed the idea"?

"Suggested the idea" is a more general way of saying someone offered a thought for consideration. "Proposed the idea", on the other hand, often implies a more formal and structured presentation of that thought or plan.