with the idea that

USAGE SUMMARY

"with the idea that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a clause that describes something that is seen as the reason to do or believe something. For example, “The team worked early mornings with the idea that the project would be completed in time.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our results are consistent with the idea that reduced inhibition is permissive for enhancing adult plasticity.

eLife

This correlation fits with the idea that gene duplication is balanced by gene loss.

BMC Biology

"He starts with the idea that many people suffer".

The New York Times

"We start with the idea that it's a great exhibition".

The New York Times - Arts

Similarly with the idea that we have free will.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whoever came up with the idea that this was safe?

The Guardian - Books

That is consistent with the idea that something out there actually is monkeying with masculinity.

The Economist

I grew up with the idea that a generation is essentially a measure of cultural distance.

The New York Times

To make a case for ugliness, you could start with the idea that beauty is boring.

Independent

I'm never really comfortable with the idea that I'm this monstrous sesquipedalian.

The Economist

FEW would now argue with the idea that the privatisation of Britain's railways was badly mishandled.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing it's important to consider whether using a more concise alternative like "believing that" or "thinking that" could improve the flow and readability of your sentence. Sometimes, simplicity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "with the idea that" in situations where a simpler preposition like 'to' or 'for' would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose and unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with the idea that" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a subordinate clause. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to clarify the reasoning, purpose, or expectation behind a main clause. Many examples from the Ludwig database confirm its role in connecting an action with its underlying intent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with the idea that" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the rationale, intention, or underlying assumption behind an action or statement. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a subordinate clause, serving to explain the 'why' behind the 'what'. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate to avoid wordiness. It's widely used in Science and News & Media contexts, demonstrating its suitability for both formal and informal communication. Keep in mind also the alternative suggestions when "with the idea that" does not fit your sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

believing that

Focuses on the belief or conviction underlying the action or statement.

thinking that

Emphasizes the thought process or consideration leading to a particular action or conclusion.

on the assumption that

Highlights the underlying assumption upon which a decision or action is based.

in the hope that

Stresses the desired outcome or expectation associated with an action.

with the intention of

Focuses on the planned or deliberate purpose behind an action.

expecting that

Highlights the anticipation or expectation of a specific outcome.

aiming for

Concentrates on the goal or target that someone is trying to achieve.

with a view to

Implies a more strategic or long-term perspective in the action.

under the impression that

Focuses on the subjective understanding or perception of a situation.

given that

Highlights that something is a known and accepted fact or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "with the idea that" in a sentence?

Use "with the idea that" to introduce a clause explaining the reason, aim, or expectation behind an action. For example: "They started early "with the idea that" they would finish on time."

What can I say instead of "with the idea that"?

You can use alternatives like "believing that", "thinking that", or "in the hope that" depending on the specific context. Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance related to belief, thought, or hope.

Is it better to use "with the intention of" or "with the idea that"?

"With the intention of" is more focused on a planned action, while "with the idea that" can encompass broader reasons, assumptions, or expectations. Choose the one that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

How does "with the idea that" compare to "on the assumption that"?

"On the assumption that" emphasizes that something is taken as a given without proof, whereas "with the idea that" can refer to a broader intent or expectation, not necessarily an assumption. For example: "We proceeded "on the assumption that" the data was accurate."