conceive a notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conceive a notion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of forming an idea or concept in one's mind. Example: "After much contemplation, she was finally able to conceive a notion that would revolutionize the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

As such, they would have no ability to conceive of a notion of "up" or "down" or "out of the paper", no more than we have the ability to imagine moving out of the world of our own spatial existence.

Huffington Post

You conceive a strategy.

The New York Times

"We are at a loss to conceive the notion that Lowell Hawthorne, the baker's son from the Jamaican hilltop community of Border, whose culinary gifts and can-do spirit gave birth to a surging restaurant and food retail enterprise that employs several hundred people in locations across America, is now gone to us," Miller wrote.

Huffington Post

Earlier, the intracellular residence occupied by Listeria monocytogenes made the scientific fraternity to conceive the notion that the humoral immune response has to play no role in the control of Listeria monocytogenes infection.

BioMed Research International

John has conceived the notion that, " a billion person problem requires a billion person solution". He explained to the UN General Assembly (and his peer audience) that "...the new definition of billionaire is someone who is relentlessly taking on billion person problems -- water, sanitation, illiteracy, etc". John is an engaging, charismatic, driven to a purpose to succeed.

HuffPost

Given his emphasis on historical explanations, Mayr invites readers to conceive of a broader notion of "ultimate cause" than one tied to design, and characters brought to fixation through drift have an evolutionary cause too.

Biology and Philosophy

What was it that inspired him to conceive of the notion that there was no such thing as an aether, or a medium for light to travel through?

Forbes

Mr. Pereira, 64, said that he first conceived the notion of a spiritual festival almost 30 years ago, when he became secretary general of the Vienna Konzerthaus, but could only now implement it.

The New York Times - Arts

IR conceived the notion of a pilot acceptance plan.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

It was Mr. Clark who, during yet one more long trip to the Bay Area a few years ago, conceived the notion that Harvard should establish a beachhead in northern California.

The New York Times

According to his article, gay couples — because they cannot conceive — undermine the notion that parenthood is fundamental to marriage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conceive a notion" when you want to emphasize the initial stage of idea formation or when the idea might be somewhat abstract or complex. For example, it's fitting when describing scientific theories or innovative concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "conceive a notion" in overly simple contexts where simpler phrases like "have an idea" or "think of something" would be more appropriate. Overusing complex vocabulary can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conceive a notion" functions as a verb phrase, where "conceive" acts as the main verb indicating the mental process of forming or creating an idea. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conceive a notion" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the mental process of forming an idea. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in writing. While it is versatile, this phrase is particularly well-suited for more formal contexts, such as academic writing or business communications, where a more deliberate or thoughtful creation of ideas is being described. If you are looking for alternatives, consider options such as "form an idea" or "develop a concept". Be mindful to not overuse "conceive a notion" in contexts where simpler language would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

form an idea

Focuses on the act of creating or developing an idea.

develop a concept

Emphasizes the gradual evolution and refinement of a concept.

formulate a plan

Highlights the structuring and detailing of a specific plan.

imagine an idea

Stresses the mental visualization and creation of an idea.

envisage a concept

Implies a more detailed and forward-looking visualization of a concept.

contemplate an idea

Focuses on the thoughtful consideration and pondering of an idea.

entertain a thought

Suggests a lighter, more casual consideration of a thought.

consider a possibility

Highlights the evaluation of a potential outcome or option.

hit upon an idea

Emphasizes the sudden and often unexpected discovery of an idea.

grasp a concept

Suggests understanding and internalizing a concept.

FAQs

How can I use "conceive a notion" in a sentence?

You can use "conceive a notion" to describe the process of forming an idea. For example: "It took him months to "conceive a notion" for his new invention."

What are some alternatives to "conceive a notion"?

Alternatives include "form an idea", "develop a concept", or "imagine an idea". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "conceive a notion"?

"Conceive a notion" is suitable when discussing the initial formation of an idea, especially if it is complex or abstract. It's often used in academic, scientific, or creative contexts.

Is "conceive a notion" formal or informal?

"Conceive a notion" tends to be more formal. In casual conversation, you might prefer simpler phrases like "get an idea" or "think of something".