the idea to vs the idea of

Both 'the idea to' and 'the idea of' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'The idea of' is used to introduce a concept or thought, while 'the idea to' is used to express a purpose or intention.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 3256 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a purpose or intention.

"the idea to"

This phrase is used to indicate a purpose or intention behind an action or decision.

Examples:

She had the idea to start her own business.
I have the idea to travel around the world.
He had the idea to surprise his friend with a gift.
Do you have the idea to study abroad?
They came up with the idea to organize a charity event.

Show examples from the web [+]

And the idea to count them is absurd.
She had the idea to give you an office.
I pitched the idea to Philip several times.
Orson Welles proposed the idea to Chaplin.
Tom suggested the idea to Mary.
What gave you the idea to do something so...
I had the idea to call the port authority lost and found.
I think I gave you the idea to shoot that man.
Gave us the idea to operate it remotely ourselves.
So, that's how I got the idea to start the...
But whoever did gave me the idea to put on this costume.
HAMMOND: He sold the idea to the studio.
I mentioned the idea to Victoria, and she jumped on it so fast, you'd think it was Julian's dad.
We had the idea to do a sort of Jazz Age shoot.
Your rapporteur supports the idea to include the European Ombudsman in the committee.
It was early January 2007 when I got the idea to write my autobiography.
When my mom gave Tucker money to keep him quiet, we got the idea to blackmail her with the tape.
So far, we've tried to make the best of things, but I don't like the idea to see my people involved in your wars.
If you or your mother ever get the idea to betray me, this is what happens.
And this is how, for me, was born the idea to have an institute of immaterial performing arts.

Alternatives:

the intention to
the plan to
the desire to
the goal to
the decision to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to introduce a concept or thought.

"the idea of"

This phrase is used to introduce a concept, thought, or opinion.

Examples:

What do you think of the idea of going on a road trip?
I like the idea of having a picnic in the park.
She was excited about the idea of starting a new project.
He wasn't a fan of the idea of moving to a new city.
The idea of working from home appealed to many employees.

Show examples from the web [+]

President Napolitano proposed the idea of an interparliamentary conference.
Bruce loved the idea of a nouvelle southern cookbook.
I'm just getting used to the idea of demons and witches.
I used to be scared of the idea of growing old.
Every world religion encompasses the idea of life after death.
Here it's the idea of convalescence.
And the idea of her just...
Before I can let the idea of...
Secondly, the idea of an international treaty.
Because I like the idea of you living with your suffering.
I could never face the idea of dying a mere merchant.
Right now, the idea of being intimate with you makes me sick.
Give up the idea of being a soloist.
I like the idea of being a nurse... or a shepherd.
And last night, the idea of moving here seemed so romantic.
Drop the idea of guarding from the outside.
I always liked the idea of jumping off a bridge.
I don't like the idea of another player.
We cannot, therefore, include the idea of eliminating production subsidies even as an aim in the recitals.
We somehow both hated the idea of divorcing each other.

Alternatives:

the concept of
the thought of
the notion of
the belief of
the opinion of

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the idea to vs the idea of

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