cannot be conceived

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be conceived" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is beyond imagination or understanding. Example: "The idea of a world without music cannot be conceived by those who cherish it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

This contains the notion of a being that cannot be conceived not to exist.

Wikipedia

In the first place, while essence can be conceived independently of its existence in the physical world, it cannot be conceived independently of its being-essence, otherwise it would be a mere figment.

SEP

Unlike demonstration, it cannot be conceived in an impersonal manner.

Britannica

American diplomacy cannot be conceived in fear of this uncharted terrain, for only there can the common house be built.

The New York Times

The brain cannot be conceived of apart from the body, which provides its first and continuing "values".

The New York Times - Books

Such a priori knowledge is both necessary (i.e., it cannot be conceived as otherwise) and universal, in the sense that it admits of no exceptions.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

He even contrives to apply the final notion, "Pure Act", to space: "it is aptly called being in act as it cannot but be conceived as existing outside of its causes.

SEP

Meaning the waste products of our nuclear technologies force us to think about our actions today in relationship to a world that cannot possibly be conceived.

Vice

An error in admitting plainly relevant evidence which possibly influenced the jury adversely to a litigant cannot, under Fahy, be conceived of as harmless.

Cornell University

We emphasized that '(a)n error in admitting plainly relevant evidence which possibly influenced the jury adversely to a litigant cannot * * * be conceived of as harmless.' Id., at 23—24, 87.

Cornell University

And then the reductio argument is produced to establish that that than which no greater can be conceived cannot exist only in the understanding but must also possess the property of existing in reality as well (and all mention of the Fool, and what it is that the Fool believes, disappears).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be conceived", ensure that the subject is something abstract, such as an idea, concept, or system, rather than a concrete object. For example, "a world without gravity cannot be conceived" is better than "a table that doesn't exist cannot be conceived".

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be conceived" when a simpler phrase like "cannot be imagined" or "is impossible" would suffice. The phrase is formal and should be reserved for contexts where its specific nuance is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be conceived" functions as a modal passive construction. It indicates an inability to form a mental representation or understanding of something. As Ludwig AI suggests, this usage expresses that something is beyond imagination or understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be conceived" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression used to indicate that something is impossible to imagine or understand. According to Ludwig AI, it is best used in formal contexts, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedic writing, to emphasize a significant barrier to comprehension. While there are simpler alternatives like "is unimaginable" or "is inconceivable", "cannot be conceived" adds a nuanced emphasis on the fundamental limits of human understanding. Therefore, reserve its use for contexts where this specific emphasis is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is inconceivable

A direct synonym, stressing the impossibility of conceiving something.

is unimaginable

Replaces "cannot be conceived" with a focus on the limits of imagination.

is unthinkable

Emphasizes the unacceptability or impossibility of considering something.

is beyond the scope of imagination

Similar to "is unimaginable", but slightly more formal.

is beyond comprehension

Highlights the difficulty in understanding something.

is not possible to imagine

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the inability to imagine.

is not able to be grasped

Focuses on the inability to mentally understand or seize an idea.

defies understanding

Highlights the act of resisting comprehension.

eludes comprehension

Suggests that something escapes being understood.

is beyond the realm of possibility

Places the concept outside of what is possible.

FAQs

What does "cannot be conceived" mean?

The phrase "cannot be conceived" means that something is impossible to imagine, understand, or comprehend. It suggests a fundamental limitation in one's ability to form a mental picture or grasp the essence of something.

When should I use "cannot be conceived" in writing?

Use "cannot be conceived" when you want to emphasize the impossibility of imagining or understanding something within a specific context. It's suitable for formal writing where you want to convey a strong sense of inconceivability.

Are there simpler alternatives to "cannot be conceived"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "is unimaginable", "is inconceivable", or "is beyond comprehension" depending on the context. These options might be more appropriate for less formal writing.

How does "cannot be conceived" differ from "cannot be imagined"?

While similar, "cannot be conceived" often implies a deeper level of incomprehension or impossibility than "cannot be imagined". "Cannot be imagined" suggests difficulty in forming a mental image, while "cannot be conceived" suggests a fundamental barrier to understanding the very concept.