a single conception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single conception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one specific idea or understanding of a concept. Example: "The artist's work is based on a single conception of beauty that challenges traditional norms."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

We don't need one, and it's just a mistake to think that we need a single conception of the ultimate good in order to progress in politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Nazareth, for example, walked (and sometimes caught buses) from Brazil all the way to New York beginning in 2011, picking up traveling companions while "working to break down a single conception of Latin America into hundreds of distinct, though interconnected, pieces".

The New York Times - Arts

The Dworkin proposal is noteworthy for its integration of themes of equality and personal responsibility in a single conception.

SEP

But some will find unattractive the failure to furnish a single conception of death that applies to all living things.

SEP

So even if we keep a single conception of objectivity as fixed there will be great controversy over whether seemingly paradigmatic instances of agent-relativity really are such.

SEP

Compared to the Aristotelian conception, Malebranche's conception of causation is remarkably simple and unified, and does not face the question of how such diverse and distinct types of Aristotelian causes can come under a single conception of causation.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Furthermore, since a single concept might not be transferable to arbitrary locations, two supplementary conceptions regarding a sustainable water supply were developed by KIT.

Applied Water Science

But the corps de ballet, as I saw it in three performances last weekend, no longer has any single conception of how to point that front arm in arabesque, and the old unison phrasing of the entrance is eroded too.

The New York Times - Arts

Although Einstein may have lusted after many women, he did remain true throughout his life to a single philosophical conception of the world.

The New York Times - Books

And aside from a single interjection — "Conception Vessel," one of Mr. Motian's best vintage tunes — the set list mirrored the track order precisely.

The New York Times - Arts

But evidence for the determination of vera causae was to be demonstrated by the ability of disparate phenomena to be drawn together under a single unifying "Conception of the Mind," exemplified for Whewell by Newton's universal law of gravitation.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a single conception" when you want to emphasize the unity or uniqueness of an idea or concept. It often appears in philosophical or theoretical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a single conception" in casual conversation or when simpler terms like "one idea" or "a simple concept" would suffice. The phrase is more appropriate for formal or academic writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single conception" functions as a noun phrase that emphasizes the unified or unique nature of an idea, concept, or understanding. It is often used in formal writing and academic discourse, as supported by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a single conception" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to emphasize the unity or singularity of an idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's best suited for formal and academic contexts, where precision and clarity are paramount. While alternatives like "one unified idea" or "a singular concept" exist, "a single conception" retains a specific nuance, particularly in philosophical or theoretical discussions. Remember to avoid overuse in informal settings to maintain appropriate register and style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one unified idea

Emphasizes the unity and singularity of the idea, replacing "conception" with a more common term.

a singular concept

Focuses on the uniqueness of the concept, using a synonym for "conception".

a unified understanding

Highlights the coherent nature of the understanding, offering a different perspective on the initial idea.

a sole interpretation

Stresses that there is only one interpretation, rather than several.

a unique viewpoint

Focuses on the distinctiveness and individuality of the perspective.

one overarching theme

Highlights a primary theme, which may be present in many situations.

a common thread

Emphasizes the element that connects various aspects of something.

a central tenet

Underscores the importance of an underlying belief or principle.

a singular perspective

Highlights that there is one specific perspective.

a basic understanding

Highlights that there is one fundamental, core understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single conception" to emphasize a unified idea or viewpoint, as in, "The artist's work is based on "a single conception" of beauty."

What are some alternatives to "a single conception"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "one unified idea", "a singular concept", or "a unified understanding".

Is it correct to say "a single conception"?

Yes, "a single conception" is grammatically correct and usable in written English to refer to a unique idea or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms that.

What's the difference between "a single conception" and "multiple conceptions"?

"A single conception" refers to one specific idea or understanding, while "multiple conceptions" indicates several different ideas or interpretations of something.