thought-provoking idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thought-provoking idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts or notions that stimulate deep thinking or reflection. Example: "The author's latest book presents a thought-provoking idea about the nature of reality that challenges conventional beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Sometimes this can throw up a genuinely thought-provoking idea – the notion that it is perfectly valid for young women from deprived backgrounds to use their "erotic capital" to marry a footballer rather than focus on education as a way of getting on in life – but, more often than not, it leads to a series of baffling conclusions.

The Guardian - Books

This ranks as an improbable but thought-provoking idea.

The Economist

She blogs at Wandering Gaia For some examples of using narrative to explain a complex and thought-provoking idea (plus context and analysis) read Carl Zimmer's blog on the human lake.

The Guardian

The Manchester Evening News acknowledged the "nanny state" accusations such a move is likely to trigger, but welcomed it as a "thought-provoking idea", pointing out that the obesity problem needs to be tackled in a country that has the dubious honour of being "the fattest in Europe".

The Guardian

At bedtime, I listen to soft soothing voices either describing how something works, or articulating a thought-provoking idea in 4 acts.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But the logos are single designs within the line, usually designed to communicate a certain thought provoking idea.

Huffington Post

But when you come to a Moth event you actually come away with a lot of thought provoking ideas and stories.

Huffington Post

CBE Life Sciences Education is a fount of thought-provoking and inventive ideas, but it doesn't address all the day-to-day issues that any teacher faces.

CBE Life Sciences Education

For a television critic, that notion made for a thought-provoking merger with another idea voiced early in Part 1: that extraterrestrials might know about us from the TV shows we've been inadvertently beaming into space for more than a half-century.

The New York Times - Arts

He even suggests the "Bush-as-Guardian-reader" idea would make a thought-provoking article.

The Guardian

WolframAlpha seems like an interesting idea and produces some thought-provoking results when you try the examples they suggest, such as entering your birthday.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thought-provoking idea" when you want to emphasize that a concept is not only interesting but also makes people think deeply about a subject.

Common error

Avoid using "thought-provoking idea" excessively in your writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "stimulating concept" or "insightful notion" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thought-provoking idea" functions as an adjective-noun combination. "Thought-provoking" modifies "idea", indicating that the idea is stimulating and encourages deeper consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English writing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thought-provoking idea" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a concept stimulating deep thought. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, although its frequency is relatively rare. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, the phrase serves to emphasize the capacity of an idea to challenge perspectives and encourage reflection. Alternatives include "stimulating concept" and "insightful notion". When incorporating this phrase, aim for impactful emphasis rather than overuse, maintaining a balanced and engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectually stimulating concept

Emphasizes the concept's ability to engage the intellect and promote cognitive activity.

stimulating concept

Focuses on the stimulating nature of the concept rather than its capacity to provoke thought.

mind-expanding notion

Highlights the effect of the idea on one's understanding and perception.

insightful notion

Highlights the depth of understanding provided by the idea.

provocative concept

Emphasizes the challenging and potentially controversial nature of the idea.

intriguing proposition

Suggests that the idea is interesting and worthy of further consideration.

compelling argument

Shifts the focus to the persuasive power of the idea.

challenging viewpoint

Focuses on the fact that the idea goes against conventional wisdom.

groundbreaking concept

Emphasizes the innovative and revolutionary nature of the idea.

novel perspective

Highlights the newness and originality of the idea.

FAQs

What does "thought-provoking idea" mean?

A "thought-provoking idea" is a concept or notion that stimulates deep thinking, reflection, and often challenges existing beliefs or perspectives.

How can I use "thought-provoking idea" in a sentence?

You can use "thought-provoking idea" to describe something that makes people think critically. For example: "The author presented a "thought-provoking idea" about the nature of consciousness."

What can I say instead of "thought-provoking idea"?

You can use alternatives like "stimulating concept", "insightful notion", or "intriguing proposition" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "thought-provoking idea"?

While "idea" inherently suggests something to be considered, using "thought-provoking" emphasizes the depth and intensity of the cognitive engagement the idea inspires. It's not strictly redundant but adds emphasis.