what an idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what an idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express surprise or admiration for a suggestion or thought that someone has presented. Example: "When she suggested we take a road trip for the weekend, I thought to myself, what an idea!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

What an idea!

The New York Times

What an idea, what a subversion.

The New Yorker

But that's O.K. That's what an idea show is about".

The New York Times - Arts

They don't even know what an idea is.

The New York Times - Books

What an idea from Richard Branson, you can see why he's a billionaire.

Independent

What an idea to unleash in a chamber imbued with decades of male privilege.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

What an interesting idea!

The New York Times

What an astonishing idea!

The New York Times

"What an absurd idea.

The Guardian

What an infantile idea!

The New Yorker

- Posted by Robert Hale What an interesting idea!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Context matters: "What an idea!" can also be used sarcastically. Ensure your tone aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "what an idea" sarcastically if your audience might misinterpret it. Sarcasm can be easily missed in written communication. If you want to use it in a sarcastic way, make sure it's paired with non-verbal cues or explicitly stated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what an idea" primarily functions as an exclamatory interjection. It expresses a reaction to a thought, plan, or suggestion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct, used to denote surprise, admiration, or sometimes even sarcasm depending on the context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what an idea" is a versatile exclamatory interjection used to express a variety of reactions, from genuine admiration to subtle sarcasm. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct. Its prevalence in news and media highlights its accessibility, although careful consideration should be given to the context and audience to prevent misinterpretations of tone. While there are several alternatives that capture enthusiasm and approval, knowing when and how to use "what an idea" can greatly improve your communication by adding a touch of emotion when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what a concept

Shorter, more informal expression of surprise or intrigue.

that's quite a thought

Expresses a degree of consideration or intrigue.

that's an interesting concept

Emphasizes the conceptual aspect of the idea.

clever thinking

Highlights the intelligence behind the idea.

brilliant suggestion

Highlights the intelligence or cleverness of the idea.

that's innovative

Focuses on the inventive quality of the idea.

that's a novel approach

Suggests the idea is new and innovative.

a stroke of genius

Highlights the brilliance and inspiration behind the idea.

how insightful

Emphasizes the depth of understanding behind the idea.

that's something to consider

Indicates the idea warrants careful thought.

FAQs

How can I express surprise using "what an idea"?

To express surprise, use "what an idea" with an exclamation mark and a tone that conveys genuine astonishment or delight. For example: "When she suggested we take a spontaneous trip to Italy, I thought, what an idea!"

Is it appropriate to use "what an idea" in formal writing?

While "what an idea" is generally suitable for informal and neutral contexts like news articles, it might be too casual for strictly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "that's an interesting concept" or "that's a novel approach" for a more professional tone.

What are some alternatives to "what an idea" that still convey enthusiasm?

If you want to show enthusiasm, you can use alternatives like "brilliant suggestion", "that's quite a thought", or "clever thinking", which also convey admiration.

How can the tone of "what an idea" be interpreted differently?

The tone of "what an idea" can vary from genuine admiration to sarcasm depending on the context and delivery. In a positive context, it expresses excitement or approval. In a negative context, it can imply disbelief or mockery. Always consider your audience and the situation when using this phrase.