a conceptual structure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a conceptual structure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing ideas, theories, or frameworks that represent abstract concepts or relationships. Example: "In her thesis, she proposed a conceptual structure to better understand the dynamics of social interactions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Like all good economists, he looks at a wide range of numbers and then tries to find a conceptual structure that will explain them.

The New Yorker

This approach focuses on a conceptual structure.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Fig. 6 A conceptual structure of the proposed PSO for stage 1.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

A table is a conceptual structure, independent of its underlying implementation.

Systems Analysis and Synthesis Bridging Computer Science and Information Technology

Experts usually receive candidates organized in a conceptual structure that reflects the reality of the domain in question.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

An ecological framework provides a conceptual structure for selecting measures focusing on both the service recipients and their environment.

Evaluation and Program Planning

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It utilizes a multilayered conceptual structure, similar to a feed-forward multilayer neural network.

Applied Water Science

Dr. Wolfram said his book was an effort to build a big conceptual structure, quite different from what's been there before.

The New York Times - Science

Disorienting though they may be, Mr. Meireles's works tend to have a clear conceptual structure, usually involving tension between opposites.

The New York Times - Arts

1. Huayan posits a complex conceptual structure juxtaposing li (reality, emptiness) and shi (events, phenomena) (Chang 1970; Cook 1976).

SEP

We propose a learning algorithm and prove that it enables perfect learning provided the training set forms a consistent conceptual structure.

Information Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a conceptual structure" when referring to a framework that organizes abstract ideas, theories, or concepts. Ensure that the context clearly defines what the structure encompasses to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a conceptual structure" as a vague substitute for more specific terms like "model", "framework", or "theory". Be precise about the nature and purpose of the structure you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a conceptual structure" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to an abstract framework or organizational system as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a conceptual structure" is a noun phrase used to denote an abstract framework or system of ideas. It is grammatically correct and commonly employed in science, news, and formal business contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for formal writing when referring to a system that organizes concepts. While its frequency is common, it's important to use the phrase precisely, avoiding overgeneralization. Alternative phrases like "a theoretical framework" or "an abstract model" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a theoretical framework

Focuses on the theoretical aspect, emphasizing the underlying principles and assumptions.

an abstract model

Highlights the abstract nature of the representation, suitable when discussing simplified versions of complex systems.

a cognitive framework

Specifies the context as relating to cognitive processes and understanding.

a mental model

Emphasizes the internal representation of concepts in the mind.

an organizing principle

Focuses on the function of structuring and arranging information.

a structured approach

Highlights the systematic and organized nature of the methodology.

a system of thought

Indicates a comprehensive and interconnected set of ideas.

a philosophical construct

Highlights the philosophical basis and theoretical construction.

a schematic representation

Emphasizes the simplified and diagrammatic nature of the structure.

a cognitive schema

Specifically refers to a mental framework for organizing and interpreting information.

FAQs

How can I use "a conceptual structure" in a sentence?

You can use "a conceptual structure" to describe a framework used to organize ideas or concepts, such as, "The research paper outlines "a conceptual structure" for understanding consumer behavior".

What are some alternatives to "a conceptual structure"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a theoretical framework", "an abstract model", or "an organizing principle".

Is it better to use "a conceptual framework" or "a conceptual structure"?

Both "a conceptual framework" and "a conceptual structure" are often interchangeable, but "a conceptual framework" often implies a more comprehensive and established system, while ""a conceptual structure"" can refer to a more specific or preliminary arrangement.

What does "a conceptual structure" typically involve?

"A conceptual structure" typically involves a set of interconnected ideas or concepts that provide a framework for understanding a particular phenomenon or system. It often includes assumptions, principles, and relationships that help to explain how different elements interact.