can be conceived

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be conceived" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ideas, concepts, or possibilities that can be imagined or understood. Example: "In theory, a new form of energy can be conceived that would revolutionize the way we power our homes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Premise) Hence the being than which no greater can be conceived exists in reality.

SEP

The Fool understands the expression "the being than which no greater can be conceived".

SEP

I conceive of a being than which no greater can be conceived.

SEP

Hence, a being than which no greater can be conceived exists.

SEP

St. Anselm reasoned that, if such a being fails to exist, then a greater being namely, a being than which no greater can be conceived, and which exists can be conceived.

SEP

The royal family are on a roll, if anything so undignified can be conceived.

The Guardian

They advise that no peace can be conceived in Palestine without engaging the democratically elected government.

The Guardian - Opinion

If a life has a trajectory, then it can be conceived narratively.

The New York Times

Indeed, these differences can be conceived in more abstract terms as the contrast between empiricism and rationalism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The taxonomies can be conceived as more orthogonal than contradictory.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

(From (3) and (4).) It is false that a being greater than God can be conceived.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be conceived" when you want to emphasize the theoretical possibility or the ability to imagine or understand something, especially in academic or formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "can be conceived" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "can be imagined" or "can be thought of" often sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be conceived" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the potential for something to be imagined or understood. It highlights the ability to form a mental representation or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

59%

News & Media

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be conceived" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that expresses the potential for something to be imagined or understood. As Ludwig AI points out, it is suitable for formal and academic contexts, where precision and sophistication in language are valued. While alternatives like "can be imagined" or "can be envisioned" exist, "can be conceived" carries a distinct nuance of intellectual possibility. It is most common in scientific and academic writing, but less so in casual conversation, where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize the theoretical potential or the ability to understand something conceptually.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be imagined

Focuses more on the mental imagery or fantasy aspect of conceiving something.

can be envisioned

Suggests a clear mental picture, often related to future possibilities.

can be thought of

Emphasizes the act of considering or regarding something in a particular way.

can be understood

Highlights the potential for comprehension or grasping an idea.

can be created

Focuses on the possibility of bringing something new into existence.

can be developed

Implies a process of growth or expansion from an initial idea.

can be formulated

Suggests the act of expressing something in a precise or systematic way.

can be designed

Highlights the planning or structuring aspect of conceiving something.

can be hypothesized

Focuses on forming a tentative explanation or assumption as a starting point.

can be invented

Emphasizes originality and the creation of something entirely new.

FAQs

How can I use "can be conceived" in a sentence?

You can use "can be conceived" to express the possibility of an idea or concept. For example, "A new approach to the problem can be conceived if we consider alternative perspectives."

What are some alternatives to "can be conceived"?

Alternatives include "can be imagined", "can be envisioned", "can be understood", or "can be thought of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "can be conceived of" grammatically correct?

While not incorrect, adding "of" after "conceived" is often redundant. "Can be conceived" is generally preferred for being more concise and direct.

In what contexts is "can be conceived" most appropriate?

"Can be conceived" is often appropriate in formal writing, academic discourse, or when discussing abstract concepts. It might sound overly formal in casual conversation.