a conceptually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a conceptually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is based on or related to a concept or idea. Example: "The theory presents a conceptually innovative approach to solving the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

An extraordinarily complicated piece of engineering, the land bridge is based on a conceptually simple design.

The New Yorker

"Degas's Method" is a conceptually and adventurously broad look at the artist.

The New York Times - Arts

But a conceptually stable narrator would have prevented all the genre-hopping, which often takes place mid-scene.

The Guardian - Books

If I had to do it over again, I might start with a ukelele, which has a conceptually simpler organization.

The New York Times

We present a conceptually new controller for position mooring operations.

Automatica

Resampling methods, although computationally demanding, represent a conceptually simple alternative.

Computational Statistics & Data Analysis

This approach offers a conceptually and clinically meaningful endpoint.

European Neuropsychopharmacology

But according to the Cartesian conception this seems to be a conceptually impossible task.

SEP

The standard anelastic solid provides a conceptually simple picture of material dissipation as a relaxation process.

EPJ Techniques and Instrumentation

A conceptually simple technique, with theoretical justification and good empirical performance, is the DPI technique.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

The aim was to develop a conceptually equivalent translation written in contemporary Swedish.

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a conceptually", ensure that the statement it modifies is indeed an abstract idea and not a concrete object. For example, "a conceptually simple model" is suitable, but "a conceptually new car" is not.

Common error

Avoid using "a conceptually" to describe something tangible or directly observable. This phrase works best with abstract ideas, models, or frameworks, and not with concrete objects or actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a conceptually" functions as an adverbial modifier, adding nuance to the adjective that follows it. It emphasizes that the adjective applies specifically to the idea or concept behind something, rather than its practical implementation. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is used to modify a concept or idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

72%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a conceptually" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to qualify adjectives by placing them in an abstract or theoretical context. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is most at home in formal writing, especially in scientific and academic fields, but also appears in news media. When using "a conceptually", make sure it accurately reflects the abstract nature of the concept being described, and avoid applying it to concrete objects. For more clarity and impact, alternatives like "in theory" or "from a theoretical standpoint" may sometimes be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in theory

This alternative shifts the focus to the theoretical aspect, simplifying the expression.

from a theoretical standpoint

This phrase is a more formal way of expressing a theoretical perspective.

in abstract terms

This option emphasizes the abstract nature of the concept being discussed.

on a theoretical level

This phrase specifies the level of analysis as being theoretical.

as a concept

This choice highlights the conceptual nature, reducing the complexity of the original phrase.

theoretically speaking

This alternative explicitly indicates that the statement is based on theory.

from an abstract perspective

This option emphasizes the abstract viewpoint.

in principle

This choice focuses on the idea's validity in ideal conditions, which could be conceptually similar.

using a conceptual framework

This option replaces the adverb with a noun-based construction focused on the framework.

as a general idea

This alternative simplifies the phrase, focusing on the general and conceptual nature of the idea.

FAQs

How can I use "a conceptually" in a sentence?

You can use "a conceptually" to describe an idea, method, or approach that is based on abstract thought rather than concrete reality. For example, "The design is "a conceptually simple approach"".

What are some alternatives to "a conceptually"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "in theory", "from a theoretical standpoint", or "in abstract terms". These alternatives offer similar meanings while varying the wording.

Is it correct to say "a conceptually new object"?

While grammatically correct, it's generally better to reserve "a conceptually" for abstract ideas or frameworks. Instead of "a conceptually new object", consider something like "an innovative design" or "a revolutionary object".

What's the difference between "a conceptually simple" and "a theoretically simple"?

"A conceptually simple" refers to something that is easy to understand in principle. "A theoretically simple" refers to something that is straightforward from a theoretical perspective. The distinction is subtle but depends on whether the focus is on understanding vs. theoretical underpinnings.