as a concept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a concept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an idea or notion in a theoretical or abstract sense. Example: "As a concept, freedom can be interpreted in various ways depending on cultural and personal perspectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a concept, "followership" scarcely exists.

The Economist

(2) Law as a "concept".

Cornell University

Reconciliation as a concept sounds appealing.

The New Yorker

It's broken as a concept," he said.

The Guardian - Tech

The green new deal as a concept.

Columbia University

It started as just as a concept I had.

The Guardian - Music

The E.P.A. does not dispute global warming as a concept.

The New York Times

"But it was not surprising as a concept.

The New Yorker

The band doesn't come off as a concept.

The New York Times - Arts

But can the magazine as a concept ever really die?

The Guardian - Opinion

I don't really understand marriage as a concept any more.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a concept" to introduce a definition or theoretical discussion of an idea before delving into its practical applications or nuances.

Common error

Avoid using "as a concept" unnecessarily when a simpler phrasing would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a concept" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or clause by introducing a theoretical or abstract perspective. It frames the subsequent discussion around the idea itself, rather than its tangible manifestations. Ludwig examples demonstrate varied applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

21%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a concept" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase, employed to introduce a theoretical or abstract perspective on a topic. Ludwig AI validates that its usage is appropriate in formal and informal contexts, though it tends to be more common in news, academic, and scientific writing. While various alternatives like "in theory" or "as an idea" exist, "as a concept" specifically emphasizes the notion being discussed. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid sounding repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an idea

This alternative is a more simplified way to express that something is being considered as a thought or notion.

in theory

This alternative focuses on the theoretical aspect, emphasizing that something might not be practical or proven.

in principle

This alternative suggests agreement with an idea but acknowledges that implementation might differ.

conceptually

This alternative focuses on understanding or analyzing something based on concepts or ideas.

theoretically speaking

This alternative explicitly highlights the discussion as being confined to a theoretical domain.

from a conceptual standpoint

This alternative emphasizes the perspective being taken when considering the idea.

in the abstract

This alternative denotes considering something without reference to concrete examples or practical applications.

regarding the concept

This alternative is a more formal way to introduce a discussion about a specific concept.

on paper

This alternative highlights that something is written or planned but not yet implemented or proven.

taking the concept into account

This alternative suggests considering a specific concept as a factor in a decision or analysis.

FAQs

How can I use "as a concept" in a sentence?

You can use "as a concept" to introduce a discussion or definition of an abstract idea, for example: "Freedom as a concept can be interpreted in various ways.".

What's a simpler way to say "as a concept"?

Alternatives include "in theory", "in principle", or "as an idea", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "as a concept"?

It's appropriate when you want to specifically highlight the theoretical or abstract nature of something, before exploring its practical implications.

Is "as a concept" formal or informal language?

"As a concept" leans towards a more formal register, making it suitable for academic writing, professional communication, and news articles.