whimsical notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whimsical notion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an idea or thought that is fanciful, playful, or imaginative, often lacking seriousness. Example: "Her whimsical notion of building a castle out of candy delighted the children at the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But Roy doesn't think it's such a whimsical notion.

The Guardian - Sport

The novelistic drama perhaps excuses the odd clinical inexactitude, a sense of operative terms being applied with a somewhat whimsical notion of what they entail.

The Economist

Another whimsical notion is the empty frame on the rear wall, whose void is filled with a changing picture — dancing flames, snowy landscapes — courtesy of an overhead projector.

The Washington Post

"We didn't elect a monarch or king .If Mr Obama is the tyrant that his opponents allege then he seems to have a highly whimsical notion of how to use his power.

The Economist

." Shakespeare's whimsical notion of a skeleton replaced by reef is turning to reality as doctors are discovering that treated coral seems a near-perfect substitute for bone in reconstructive surgery.

The New York Times - Health

I'm still not sure quite what to make of that whimsical notion, and sometimes Cousins can sound naive – especially when he talks about Welles' romantic chivalry as an omnivorous lover.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It's also true, however, that Chouinard's occasionally whimsical notions send the ants scurrying.

The New Yorker

It has been obvious for years that Domenech has whimsical notions about players' zodiac signs, for example.

The New York Times - Sports

And then Aaron Schock (R-Meghan McCain's Panties) and Maddow get into this, because Aaron Schock (R-Meghan McCain's Panties) wants to assert that Maddow's reality-based facts jibe with his own whimsical notions of the way the world works.

Huffington Post

Richard L. Garwin, a top federal science adviser, said he dismissed the notion as whimsical.

The New York Times

But Terrence Rafferty, in the Book Review, proclaimed the novel's pleasures "guilty ones," as Ruiz Zafón "spins a fantastically elaborate plot from a slender, whimsical idea," namely the notion that "a writer might, on a bad day, succumb to a sense of futility about the value of his calling, might begin to believe that the act of telling a story isn't just vain, but positively diabolical".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "whimsical notion" to introduce an idea that might seem unrealistic or fanciful at first glance, but still holds a certain charm or appeal. This sets a tone of playful consideration before delving into the idea's merits or drawbacks.

Common error

While "whimsical notion" can add color to your writing, refrain from using it in highly formal or professional documents where a more serious and pragmatic tone is expected. In such settings, opt for phrases like "innovative concept" or "creative idea".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whimsical notion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "whimsical" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "notion". As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whimsical notion" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to describe an idea or thought characterized by its playfulness and lack of strict practicality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is generally well-received in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for broad audiences. When using "whimsical notion", it's important to consider the context, avoiding overuse in highly formal settings where alternatives like "innovative concept" or "creative idea" might be more appropriate. Mastering its use allows for a nuanced expression of imaginative and unconventional ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fanciful idea

Emphasizes the imaginative and often unrealistic nature of the idea.

quixotic idea

Highlights the impractical and idealistic qualities of the idea.

imaginative concept

Focuses on the creative and inventive aspect of the concept.

playful thought

Underscores the lighthearted and amusing nature of the thought.

absurd proposition

Stresses the illogical and unreasonable aspect of the proposition.

wild idea

Implies an unrestrained and unconventional thought.

strange notion

Highlights the unusual and peculiar character of the notion.

peculiar concept

Similar to 'strange notion' but emphasizes the uniqueness of the concept.

unconventional idea

Focuses on the departure from established norms.

impractical suggestion

Highlights the lack of feasibility of the suggestion.

FAQs

How can I use "whimsical notion" in a sentence?

You can use "whimsical notion" to describe an idea or thought that is fanciful, playful, or imaginative. For example: "Her "whimsical notion" of building a treehouse in the backyard delighted the children."

What's a good alternative to "whimsical notion"?

Alternatives to "whimsical notion" include "fanciful idea", "imaginative concept", or "playful thought", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "whimsical notion" appropriate for formal writing?

While "whimsical notion" is grammatically correct, it may be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "innovative concept" or "creative idea" in such situations.

What distinguishes "whimsical notion" from other similar phrases?

"Whimsical notion" specifically implies a lighthearted and somewhat impractical idea, while phrases like "creative idea" or "innovative concept" focus more on the originality or potential of the idea.