but conceptually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but conceptually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or clarification regarding an idea or concept that may differ from practical or literal interpretations. Example: "The project may seem straightforward, but conceptually, it involves complex theories that require deeper understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But conceptually it's possible".

The New York Times - Science

But conceptually it is very similar.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Charles Isherwood calls the production exquisitely designed but conceptually thin.

The New York Times

But, conceptually and visually, this was a surprising staging.

The New York Times - Arts

But, conceptually, the show doesn't quite add up.

The Guardian

"But conceptually, there is a lot of similarity".

The New York Times

There are dirty words but, conceptually, we couldn't have covered the material that we do now.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's not technically accurate, but conceptually I think it works quite well.

The Guardian - Tech

"But, conceptually, it is very difficult for those in leadership positions in Washington to absorb that.

The New Yorker

The plodding but conceptually structured organization of regular museum collections serves learning.

The New Yorker

"We didn't quite get there," he said, "but conceptually, it was a great idea".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but conceptually" to introduce a contrasting viewpoint that shifts the focus from practical considerations to abstract ideas. This is effective when the practical reality differs significantly from the theoretical understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "but conceptually" when there isn't a genuine contrast between the conceptual understanding and a practical reality. This can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but conceptually" primarily functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It serves to introduce a contrast or shift in perspective, highlighting a conceptual understanding that may differ from a practical application or a literal interpretation. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but conceptually" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a contrasting perspective, shifting the focus from practical considerations to a more abstract or theoretical understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. As demonstrated by the numerous examples, this phrase is commonly found in news media, academic writing, and scientific discourse, highlighting its versatility in formal communication. When using this phrase, ensure a clear contrast is present to avoid confusing the reader. Consider alternatives like "in theory" or "from a conceptual standpoint" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conceptually speaking

Highlights the conceptual aspect, similar to "but conceptually" but less direct in contrasting with another element.

from a conceptual standpoint

Emphasizes the perspective is purely conceptual, lacking the contrasting element.

on a conceptual level

Focuses on the level of abstraction, without necessarily indicating a contrast.

from an abstract perspective

Similar to "from a conceptual standpoint", but emphasizes the abstract nature.

in theory

Focuses solely on the theoretical aspect, omitting the contrast implied by "but".

theoretically

Stresses the theoretical possibility, rather than a contrast between theory and practice.

in principle

Indicates something is possible or valid as a general idea, though it may not be in practice.

as a concept

Highlights the idea as a conceptual entity, without the contrasting element.

abstractly

Focuses on the abstract nature of the idea, lacking the contrast.

at the conceptual stage

Highlights the stage of development of a concept, not necessarily a contrast.

FAQs

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

Use "but conceptually" to introduce a contrast between a practical or literal interpretation and a more abstract or theoretical understanding. For example, "The design is flawed in its execution, but conceptually, it's quite innovative."

What are some alternatives to "but conceptually"?

You can use alternatives like "in theory", "from a conceptual standpoint", or "conceptually speaking" to express a similar idea.

What's the difference between "but conceptually" and "in practice"?

"But conceptually" introduces a theoretical viewpoint, while "in practice" focuses on how something works or is done in reality. They often represent opposing perspectives. For example, "The plan sounds good but conceptually, but "in practice" it's difficult to implement."

Is it always necessary to include a contrasting element after using "but conceptually"?

Yes, the phrase "but conceptually" implies a contrast. It should be followed by an explanation of the conceptual aspect that differs from the previously mentioned practical or literal understanding.