conceive an idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conceive an idea" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to express the act of coming up with a new or innovative idea. Example: The team spent hours brainstorming, trying to conceive an idea for their new product launch.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Such an attitude toward sculpture ignores the fact that it is possible to apprehend solid forms as volumes, to conceive an idea of them in the round from any one aspect.

Britannica

When you consider the way he absorbs information, and the intellectualism of his approach, the fact that it takes him a week to conceive an idea and a day to draw it starts to make sense.

The Guardian - Books

Descartes tells us that there are two ways to take or to conceive an idea.

SEP

These are big thinkers -- people who can conceive an idea, find the individuals to bring it to life and then take it to the rest of the world.

Forbes

However, before the filming of the video, the band was still finishing the album and when the time to shoot the video came, Lee didn't conceive an idea about how it should look like.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

An entrepreneur conceives an idea that seems worth trying.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He conceived an idea for a Church-House, a shrine to his paintings and ideas.

The New Yorker

the Sanergy team conceived an idea to construct toilets as businesses in Kenya.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

J.-W.L. conceived an idea and led overall project under supervision of Y. Y

Nature

Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) was invented in 1977 by a group of physicists who conceived an idea that would revolutionize dating methods based on long-lived radionuclides.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms

In 1963, he conceived an idea for a major Arctic expedition and began careful planning, including living with the Inuit in the far north-west.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for innovation, use "conceive an idea" to signify the initial stage of creative thinking, setting the stage for further development and refinement.

Common error

While "conceive an idea" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "develop an idea" or "formulate an idea" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conceive an idea" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of creating or forming a new idea or concept. It typically appears as part of a larger sentence, describing someone's thought process. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "conceive an idea" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-registered expression used to describe the generation of a new thought or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies the initial stage of creative thinking, appearing across various contexts from news and media to academia and science. While "conceive an idea" is a valid choice, remember to diversify your writing with synonyms like "develop an idea" or "formulate an idea" for enhanced reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Develop an idea

Focuses on the process of expanding and refining the initial concept.

Formulate an idea

Emphasizes the structured and precise expression of a thought.

Generate an idea

Highlights the creation or production of a new concept.

Imagine an idea

Stresses the mental visualization and creative aspect of idea formation.

Devise an idea

Suggests a planned and inventive approach to creating a concept.

Conceptualize an idea

Highlights the process of forming a mental concept or model.

Think up an idea

Implies a spontaneous and inventive way of creating a new idea.

Originate an idea

Emphasizes the unique and novel creation of a thought.

Envision an idea

Focuses on mentally picturing the idea with clarity and detail.

Hatch an idea

Suggests a secretive or carefully planned development of a concept.

FAQs

How can I use "conceive an idea" in a sentence?

You can use "conceive an idea" to describe the process of creating a new thought or concept. For example, "The team gathered to conceive an idea for the new marketing campaign."

What are some alternatives to "conceive an idea"?

Some alternatives include "develop an idea", "formulate an idea", or "generate an idea". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "conceive of an idea" instead of "conceive an idea"?

While "conceive an idea" is perfectly acceptable, "conceive of an idea" is also grammatically correct, though less frequently used. Both express the process of forming a new idea.

What is the difference between "conceive an idea" and "implement an idea"?

"Conceive an idea" refers to the initial process of creating or forming a new idea, whereas "implement an idea" refers to the subsequent action of putting that idea into practice.