are a good idea vs is a good idea

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Are a good idea' is used when referring to multiple ideas, while 'Is a good idea' is used when referring to a single idea.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 2125 views

are a good idea

This phrase is correct when referring to multiple ideas that are good.

Use 'are a good idea' when you want to express that multiple ideas are good and worth considering.

Examples:

Having a picnic and going for a hike are good ideas for the weekend.

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And good times are a good idea.
Drinks are a good idea.
'Knowledge accounts' are a good idea, Commissioner, which I hope you will consider.
I tabled an amendment rejecting the regulation proposed by the Commission, as trade preferences of this nature are a good idea in theory but not in practice.
Those Hitler rolls are a good idea.
'Cause I think friends are a good idea.
I do not think there will be a justification, because arms embargoes are a good idea on all countries internationally.
I'm not convinced these memorials are a good idea, but I suppose that's a different issue.
However, there is no need to be too rigid or extreme; incentives for the Member States are a good idea, too.
When people say office relationships are a good idea, they never talk about what might happen if you break up.
But I do not dispute the fact that more efficient cars are a good idea and that working from home cuts down pollution.
We do not think that endless doctors' examinations of healthy drivers, as proposed by the Commission, are a good idea.
Secondly, the planned pilot projects to fight carousel fraud are a good idea and we take note of these, but we would make the point that this must not lead to any deterioration in framework conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises.
What I meant was, do you think these badges that single us out as new kids, are a good idea?
The proposals to cap direct payments, pay special aid to small-scale farmers and only to pay aid to active farmers are a good idea.
The Petersberg missions and the policy planning and early warning unit which can be set up under the Treaty have been ratified, and the high representatives are a good idea.
look, if you think the antibiotics are a good idea, you can give them to me.
MEPs believe these types of local investments are a good idea because things like renovating houses and making them more energy efficient, installing local renewable energy projects and constructing urban transport schemes are all labour intensive.
On the 'package meetings', we do think they are a good idea, but we reject their use for under-cover transactions or pacts for extended periods to transpose correctly what has been done badly or inadequately in the periods provided.
Do you think most people would say... that teenage beauty pageants are a good idea?

Alternatives:

are good ideas
are great ideas
are excellent ideas
are wonderful ideas
are fantastic ideas

is a good idea

This phrase is correct when referring to a single idea that is good.

Use 'is a good idea' when you want to express that a single idea is good and worth considering.