a clear conception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear conception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an understanding or mental image of a concept or idea that is well-defined and easily understood. Example: "In order to solve the problem effectively, we need a clear conception of the underlying principles involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

He described the Starr house as confused, without a clear conception.

The New York Times

"That's why it's so important to have a clear conception from the start, to start off with a clear strategy".

The New York Times

Some people start with a clear conception of what they want to do and then execute their plan.

The New York Times

Mathematical logic supplied a clear conception: a theory is a collection of statements (the axioms of the theory) and their deductive consequences.

Encyclopedia Britannica

SAUCKEL: These staff conferences were instituted by me in order to obtain a clear conception of all these important questions, because in no regime or government in the world can anything be done in the dark.

Yale University

But I truly doubt Ozick has a clear conception of the active kind of life Lelyveld has lived in the public arena, and how it has been affected by private, darker shadows.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

We would probably have a better view of America if we had a clearer conception of their writers.

The Guardian - Books

How would citizens and countries benefit if there were a clearer conception of international law on these issues?

Harvard University

Knowing the full extent of the loss, we have a clearer conception of what can be regained if we in this nation can free ourselves from the tyranny of misapplied technology.

The New York Times

However, we still need to develop a clearer conception of exactly how the act of collecting and sharing data about an issue someone cares about is going to impact one's voting behavior.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Perhaps the root of the problem - that I didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life - could be clarified and the experiences in my year off could help begin to develop a clearer conception of my future.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a clear conception", ensure that the subsequent explanation or context provides sufficient detail to demonstrate the clarity you're referring to. Avoid vague statements and support your claims with specific examples or evidence.

Common error

Avoid assuming that your audience automatically shares your "clear conception". Even if it's clear to you, explicitly articulate the key elements of that conception to ensure shared understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear conception" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It denotes a well-defined and easily understood mental representation or idea. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase follows standard grammatical rules and is used in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear conception" is a noun phrase used to describe a well-defined and easily understood mental representation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in academic, scientific, and news contexts. To ensure effective communication, make sure to provide sufficient context and avoid assuming shared understanding. Alternatives include "a distinct understanding" or "a precise idea". By following these guidelines, you can use "a clear conception" effectively in your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinct understanding

Emphasizes the clarity and separateness of the understanding.

a precise idea

Focuses on the exactness and accuracy of the thought.

a definite notion

Highlights the certainty and explicitness of the mental representation.

a sharp image

Uses a visual metaphor to convey the clarity and detail of the understanding.

a thorough grasp

Indicates a comprehensive and complete understanding.

a well-defined concept

Stresses the clarity and structure of the concept.

a comprehensive view

Focuses on a broad and inclusive perspective.

a complete picture

Suggests a full and detailed understanding.

an accurate perception

Emphasizes the correctness and truthfulness of the understanding.

a solid awareness

Highlights the firmness and reliability of the understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "a clear conception" in a sentence?

You can use "a clear conception" to describe a well-defined understanding of a concept or idea. For example, "To implement this strategy effectively, the team needs "a clear conception" of the target market."

What phrases are similar to "a clear conception"?

Similar phrases include "a distinct understanding", "a precise idea", or "a definite notion", all suggesting a well-formed mental representation.

Is it better to say "a clear conception" or "a clearer conception"?

The choice depends on the context. "A clear conception" implies a definite and well-formed understanding. "A clearer conception" suggests an improvement in understanding, implying it was previously less defined.

What's the difference between "a clear conception" and "a clear understanding"?

While similar, "a clear conception" often refers to the initial formation of an idea or concept, whereas "a clear understanding" suggests a more developed and nuanced comprehension. The former is about grasping the outline, the latter about comprehending the details.