Idea
Refers to a thought or suggestion as a course of action.
1. Good Idea
Refers to something that is a positive thing to do or a positive thought.
- Waiting to go to the store so late was not a good idea.
- Do you think it’s a good idea to go?
2. Like the Idea
Mean that you think something someone said or did is a good thought or thing.
- I like the idea of doing that.
- I don’t know if I like the idea of you coming home so late.
3. Very Idea
Is used to refer to a specific idea.
- The very idea of going home makes me excited.
- I think the very idea of doing that is crazy.
4. Have no Idea
Is a way to say I don’t know.
- I have no idea what you’re talking about.
- She clearly has no idea what she’s doing.
5. Idea of Being
Refers to the thought of something. This is often used to point out the difference between someone actually wanting or thinking or feeling something and someone just liking the thought of doing, feeling, or thinking something.
In other words, this is used to speak about the thought of something, not the action of physically doing it.
- I love the idea of being able to wake up early, but I just can’t seem to do it.
- The idea of being in love is something a lot of people fall in love with.
6. Have some Idea/ Have any Idea
Refers to having some kind of understanding about something. It can also be used to refer to someone having a thought as to how to handle a situation.
- Do you have any idea what we should do about this man?
- I have some idea of what you’re talking about.
7. Give an Idea
Means to share a thought about how something should be or how something should go.
- Can you please give me an idea as to what you’d like for me to do.
- We need someone to give us an idea, so that we can respond.
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8. Get the Idea
Means that one understands something. This is sometimes used as a way to tell someone that they don’t have to keep explaining, you understand.
- Ok, I get the idea.
- I’d like to get an idea of what you’d like to do with your living room.
9. Idea How
Refers to understanding how something happened.
- I have no idea how we got here.
- Do you have an idea how long this will take?
10. Idea Why
Is a way of saying there is a lack of understanding.
- I have no idea why he’s behaving in that way.
- Do you have any idea why we have to meet so early in the morning?
11. Whole Idea
Refers to understanding something completely.
- I’m trying to understand the whole idea behind what you are saying.
- I don’t understand the whole idea behind having to study history.
12. Basic Idea
Refers to maybe not understanding everything, but understanding something in general terms. One doesn’t necessarily understand every detail, but they understand the general idea.
- Just give me the basic idea, I don’t have time to learn everything.
- He doesn’t really understand the basic idea of what I’m talking about.
13. Big Idea
Refers to something that is an important idea or something that is larger in scope than anything else. It can also refer to the main idea.
- The big idea behind what the mayor is saying sounds very good.
- We need to come up with a big idea if the company is going to have a successful year.
14. Crazy Idea/Wild Idea
Refers to an idea being out of the ordinary, or not what someone would expect. It can be used in a positive and negative way. This idea can be viewed in a postive or negative way.
- I have a crazy idea, but hear me out.
- I’m tired of listening to her and her crazy ideas.
- I have the wildest idea.
- There’s another one of her wild ideas.
15. Ridiculous Idea
Means that an idea is seen in a negative way. It’s similar to a crazy idea, because it’s an unusual idea and not an ordinary idea. The difference is that a ridiculous idea is seen as something completely negative.
- That was a ridiculous idea, I can’t believe you said that.
- There are no ridiculous ideas, all ideas are welcome.
