useful idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "useful idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an idea that is practical, beneficial, or advantageous in a particular context. Example: "The brainstorming session led to a useful idea that could improve our marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And like many of our over 600 co-participants in this year's competition, we saw that the professional coaching and expert feedback could also help us to overcome the obstacles along the thorny way from a useful idea to a running business.

Science Magazine

This is a useful idea.

The Economist

Absolutely; someone, at some point, will have a useful idea.

The Guardian - Opinion

Someone who comes up with a useful idea should expect a bonus, not a pink slip.

The New York Times - Magazine

Watch Your Portions Another useful idea from the world of nutrition is portion control.

The New York Times

A more useful idea is a toughening of checks and balances for bosses.

The Economist

When it comes to learning a different language, however, the syllable can be a very useful idea.

The Guardian

But their work points the way to a fresh and useful idea about what bin Laden might be up to.

The New Yorker

The moratorium gambit is such a useful idea that it's showing up elsewhere in the political sphere.

The New York Times - Magazine

I do think you're onto a genuinely useful idea, one that would benefit both you and your customers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was a useful idea until steep declines in tax rates and energy prices put the Apache Petroleum Company to rest in 1987.This time round the master limited partnership (MLP) structure which Apache pioneered is no longer just a footnote.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Provide context when sharing a "useful idea"; explain the problem it solves or the opportunity it creates for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of a "useful idea". Present it realistically and acknowledge any limitations to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "useful idea" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "useful" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "idea". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, indicating its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

28%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "useful idea" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a practical and beneficial concept. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using the phrase, ensure you articulate the idea's benefits and context clearly. While generally neutral, consider more formal alternatives like "valuable insight" in professional settings. Be sure to avoid overstating the idea's usefulness to maintain credibility. Its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practical concept

Replaces "idea" with "concept" and "useful" with "practical", emphasizing the feasibility of the idea.

helpful suggestion

Substitutes "idea" with "suggestion" and "useful" with "helpful", framing it as advice.

valuable insight

Replaces "idea" with "insight" and "useful" with "valuable", highlighting the importance of the idea.

advantageous notion

Replaces "useful" with "advantageous" and "idea" with "notion", suggesting a beneficial concept.

beneficial proposal

Swaps "useful" with "beneficial" and "idea" with "proposal", indicating a helpful plan.

constructive thought

Replaces "useful" with "constructive" and "idea" with "thought", focusing on the positive nature of the idea.

worthwhile concept

Substitutes "useful" with "worthwhile", emphasizing the value of the concept.

fruitful suggestion

Replaces "useful" with "fruitful" and "idea" with "suggestion", indicating a productive idea.

applicable concept

Replaces "useful" with "applicable", indicating the idea can be readily put into action.

workable notion

Replaces "useful" with "workable" and "idea" with "notion", highlighting the feasibility of the idea.

FAQs

How can I use "useful idea" in a sentence?

You can use "useful idea" to describe a concept that is practical and beneficial. For example, "The brainstorming session produced a "useful idea" for improving customer service."

What are some alternatives to "useful idea"?

Alternatives include "practical concept", "helpful suggestion", or "valuable insight", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "useful idea" formal or informal?

"Useful idea" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "advantageous notion".

What makes an idea "useful"?

A "useful idea" is characterized by its practicality, relevance, and ability to solve a problem or create an opportunity. Its usefulness is determined by its application and potential impact.