a clear conception of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear conception of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing understanding or mental images of concepts, ideas, or situations. Example: "To solve the problem effectively, one must have a clear conception of the underlying principles involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

In a review of Dr. Weigley's book "Eisenhower's Lieutenants: The Campaign of France and Germany, 1944-1945" (Indiana, 1981), Drew Middleton, a correspondent for The New York Times during World War II, supported Dr. Weigley's argument that the American command "lacked a clear conception of war".

The New York Times

A clear conception of phenomenology awaited Husserl's development of a clear model of intentionality.

SEP

The same affordances can also be used to strengthen centralized control and to promote activity in belief mode, however, so it is important for practitioners and designers to have a clear conception of creative knowledge work as an objective.

Smart Learning Environments

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 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 of", ensure that the subject matter being conceived is explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "a clear conception of the project's goals" instead of just "a clear conception".

Common error

Avoid using "a clear conception of" without specifying what exactly is being conceived. Overgeneralization can lead to vagueness and weaken the impact of your statement. Always provide context for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "a clear conception of" is to act as a noun phrase. It typically functions as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition, indicating a state of understanding or awareness. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase modifies actions or situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

Academia

30%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear conception of" is a commonly used phrase to emphasize the importance of having a well-defined and accurate understanding of something. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and applicable in many contexts. The phrase is frequently used in academic, scientific, and news-related sources, indicating a formal and professional register. To maximize clarity, be sure to specify what is being conceived and prevent overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "a solid understanding of" or "a firm grasp of" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solid understanding of

Highlights the reliability and depth of comprehension.

a well-defined understanding of

Highlights the structured and organized nature of the understanding.

a firm grasp of

Emphasizes a strong understanding, implying control and certainty.

a distinct idea of

Focuses on the clarity and individuality of the idea.

a thorough knowledge of

Implies extensive and complete information.

a precise notion of

Stresses the accuracy and detail of the mental representation.

a comprehensive insight into

Suggests a broad and thorough understanding.

a lucid appreciation of

Emphasizes the clarity and ease of understanding.

a transparent view of

Focuses on the unobstructed and direct nature of the understanding.

a sharp awareness of

Indicates a keen and perceptive understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a clear conception of" to indicate a thorough understanding or mental image of something. For example, "The team needs "a clear conception of" the project requirements before starting."

What can I say instead of "a clear conception of"?

You can use alternatives like "a solid understanding of", "a firm grasp of", or "a distinct idea of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a clear conception of" or "a good understanding of"?

Both "a clear conception of" and "a good understanding of" are valid, but ""a clear conception of"" emphasizes the mental image or formulation, while "a good understanding of" focuses on comprehension. The better choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"A clear conception of" implies forming a mental image or grasp of something, while "a clear understanding of" emphasizes comprehension and knowledge. Conception is about visualizing, while understanding is about knowing.