have an idea — think of something
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
To suddenly think of a plan, suggestion, or solution.
Say it like a native
Textbook An idea has just occurred to me.
Native Ooh, I've got an idea.
'I've got an idea' is the natural spoken form; 'an idea has occurred to me' is literary.
Pattern: have an idea (about/of/for something)
In use
- I have an idea for our group project that could save us a lot of time.daily life
- If I have an idea during a meeting, I always try to share it with my colleagues because it might help solve a problem.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I have a idea.
✓ I have an idea.
'an' before a vowel sound — 'an idea', not 'a idea'.
Common collocations
have an idea— good, no, bright, I've got
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'have a thought,' which is more general and not always about plans or solutions.