wonderful idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"wonderful idea" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe an idea that you find particularly impressive and beneficial. For example: "That's a wonderful idea – let's try it out!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What a wonderful idea.

The New York Times

It's a wonderful idea.

The New York Times

That's a wonderful idea, abstractly.

The New Yorker

That's a wonderful idea.

The New York Times

I thought it was a wonderful idea.

Independent

"That's a wonderful idea," she said.

The New Yorker

This is a wonderful idea.

The Guardian - Film

Diane had a wonderful idea.

The New York Times - Arts

A "regular girl" has a wonderful idea.

The Guardian

Turns out it's a wonderful idea.

The New York Times

While a wonderful idea, it's nothing new.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wonderful idea" to genuinely express admiration for a concept, but vary your language in longer texts to avoid repetition. Employ synonyms like "brilliant concept" or "excellent suggestion" for a richer vocabulary.

Common error

While "wonderful idea" is suitable for general conversation, avoid using it excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more professional alternatives such as "innovative approach" or "promising strategy" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wonderful idea" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, specifically to express a positive evaluation of a concept. It is used to indicate that someone considers an idea to be particularly good, innovative, or pleasing, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

General Conversation

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wonderful idea" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express strong approval and enthusiasm for a concept or suggestion. As noted by Ludwig, its usage is widespread across various contexts, including news, media, and general conversation. While appropriate for many situations, in extremely formal documents and business settings, it might be valuable to consider some alternatives. The phrase's neutral register and positive connotation make it an effective way to convey sincere admiration and support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brilliant concept

Replaces "idea" with "concept" implying a thoughtful and innovative plan.

excellent suggestion

Substitutes "idea" with "suggestion", framing it as a helpful proposal.

marvelous plan

Replaces "idea" with "plan", suggesting a detailed and well-thought-out approach.

fantastic notion

Uses "fantastic" instead of "wonderful", implying a whimsical or imaginative quality.

remarkable thought

Emphasizes the intellectual quality of the idea, portraying it as noteworthy.

outstanding proposal

Presents the idea as a formal and exceptional suggestion.

inspired concept

Highlights the creative and innovative nature of the idea.

genius solution

Suggests that the idea is exceptionally clever and solves a problem effectively.

clever strategy

Frames the idea as a well-thought-out method to achieve a specific goal.

ingenious scheme

Implies the idea is innovative, resourceful, and possibly slightly unconventional.

FAQs

How can I express enthusiasm for a plan instead of saying "wonderful idea"?

Consider using phrases like "brilliant concept", "excellent suggestion", or "marvelous plan" to convey your approval in different ways.

Is "wonderful idea" appropriate for professional communication?

While acceptable, it might be more effective to use stronger, more formal alternatives like "innovative approach" or "promising strategy" in professional contexts.

What's the difference between "wonderful idea" and "good idea"?

"Wonderful idea" expresses stronger enthusiasm and admiration than "good idea". "Wonderful" implies exceptional merit, while "good" simply suggests adequacy or suitability. You might reserve the term "wonderful idea" for suggestions or plans that you are genuinely impressed by.

When is it best to use "wonderful idea" in writing?

Use "wonderful idea" when you want to convey sincere approval and excitement about a particular suggestion or concept. It is suitable for general conversation, informal correspondence, and creative writing where a personal and enthusiastic tone is appropriate. Just ensure that in formal contexts you look for some alternatives.