throw out an idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "throw out an idea" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest an idea in a casual way. For example, "Let's throw out an idea and see what everyone thinks about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Hank might throw out an idea, hoping it would spark something.

The Guardian - Music

From: Giuliani Campaign Is it too late for us to throw out an idea?

The New Yorker

Whenever we came to a roadblock, however, someone would throw out an idea and we eventually come to finishing the machine on the very last day in El Sauce.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I know nothing about what business students learn in school, and it's been a long time since I started my business, but I'm going to throw out an idea based on my own experience.

The New York Times

"This is the first time we've been able to throw out an idea like, 'Dude, it'd be cool to have a gospel choir', and it wouldn't get shot down".

The Guardian - Music

With The Force Awakens having already got spin-off Death Star siege movie Rogue One and a Han Solo-based prequel, Pan's Labyrinth director Guillermo del Toro figured he'd throw out an idea for how Disney should next milk the cash cow that is the Star Wars franchise, and it's pretty out there.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Throw out a crazy idea.

Stanford University

Someone threw out an idea.

The New York Times - Sports

("That ridiculous tan!") Then Paltrow threw out an idea: "How about a surveyor?

The New Yorker

Then Larkin threw out an idea that he thought could aid Griffey once he returns from his latest injury.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Mostel mentioned that he was looking for comedy material for a radio show, Mr. Stein threw out an idea, and Mr. Mostel paid him $15 for it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "throw out an idea" when you want to informally suggest a concept, particularly in brainstorming sessions or casual discussions. It implies a willingness to explore options without being overly attached to any single one.

Common error

Avoid using "throw out an idea" in formal writing or presentations. Opt for more professional alternatives like "suggest", "propose", or "present" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "throw out an idea" functions as a verb phrase, primarily used to indicate the act of suggesting or proposing an idea, often in an informal or tentative manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for casual contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "throw out an idea" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to casually suggest an idea for consideration. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is appropriate in written English, but its informal tone makes it more suitable for casual discussions and brainstorming sessions rather than formal presentations. While not extremely common, its presence across diverse sources like news media, academic contexts, and wikis indicates its widespread understanding. More formal alternatives include "suggest an idea" or "propose an idea". Key is to use "throw out an idea" when suggesting an idea in a casual way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Float an idea

Suggests tentatively introducing an idea to test its viability.

Offer an idea

A neutral way to present an idea for consideration.

Share an idea

Emphasizes the collaborative aspect of presenting an idea.

Suggest an idea

More formal and direct; omits the casual connotation of "throw out".

Introduce an idea

A general way to present something new for consideration.

Present an idea

Implies a more formal or structured manner of introducing an idea.

Propose an idea

Similar to 'suggest', but implies a more structured presentation.

Express an idea

Focuses on the articulation of the idea itself.

Put forward an idea

British English; implies bringing an idea to the forefront.

Voice an idea

Highlights the act of speaking or expressing the idea.

FAQs

How can I use "throw out an idea" in a sentence?

You can use "throw out an idea" to suggest something casually. For example, "Let's "throw out an idea" and see if anyone likes it."

What's a less casual way to say "throw out an idea"?

Instead of "throw out an idea", consider using alternatives like "suggest an idea" or "propose an idea" for a more formal tone.

Is it appropriate to use "throw out an idea" in a business meeting?

While acceptable, using phrases like "offer an idea" or "present an idea" might be more fitting depending on the formality level of the meeting.

What does it mean to "throw out an idea"?

To ""throw out an idea"" means to suggest it casually for consideration, often with the understanding that it may not be fully developed or adopted.