"to have an idea" vs "to get an idea"

Question

"to have an idea" vs "to get an idea"

Both 'to get an idea' and 'to have an idea' are correct and commonly used phrases in English. They are interchangeable in many contexts, but 'to get an idea' may imply the process of obtaining an idea, while 'to have an idea' suggests the possession or existence of an idea.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

This phrase is used when someone already possesses or holds a concept or notion in their mind. It implies the existence of an idea.

Examples:

I already have an idea for the new marketing campaign.
Do you have any idea how to fix this issue?
She always seems to have great ideas for our team meetings.

Alternatives:

to possess an idea
to hold an idea
to be aware of an idea
to be in possession of an idea
to be familiar with an idea

This phrase is used when someone is trying to understand or form a concept or notion. It implies the process of obtaining an idea.

Examples:

Let me think about it and see if I can get an idea for the project.
I need to get an idea of what the client is looking for before I start designing.
She couldn't get an idea of how to solve the problem until she talked to her mentor.

Alternatives:

to come up with an idea
to form an idea
to develop an idea
to conceive an idea
to brainstorm an idea

Answer 1

to have an idea

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

to get an idea

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"to have an idea" vs "to get an idea"

to have an idea

to get an idea

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