conceive it to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conceive it to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing one's understanding or perception of a concept or idea. Example: "I conceive it to be a fundamental truth that honesty is essential in any relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Single-crop farming does not take advantage of the principles by which nature works; it is agriculture as an engineer might conceive it to be.

The New Yorker

You cannot of course tell the whole story of anywhere in 10 minutes, but then why would you want to unless you conceive it to be simple and one-sided?

Independent

"I conceive it to be the duty of every rational creature to attend to its offspring," Wollstonecraft wrote in "Thoughts on the Education of Daughters," in 1787, ten years before giving birth to the author of "Frankenstein".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

We came of age convinced that life — far from being the vale of tears that people who lived in the Old Middle Ages conceived it to be — was supposed to make us happy in some ineffable but all the same transporting way.

The New York Times - Magazine

For a minute I felt that things couldn't be so terrible, that the unit couldn't be as abject a destination as I conceived it to be if this woman had deigned to throw her lot in with the rest of us.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Gerry conceived it to be the genel.

University of Chicago

To perceive an object is to be aware of the object or its quality in a particular way, as the possessor of a particular quality, and, at the same time, to be convinced that the object exists and is as it is conceived it to be.

SEP

Watson broke the story of a $2.5 million warehouse at Canadian retailer T. Eaton Co. Ltd. that was so poorly conceived it had to be abandoned in July 1997.

Forbes

Watson broke the story of a $2.5 million warehouse at Canadian retailer T. Eaton Co. Ltd. that was so poorly conceived it had to be abandoned last July.

Forbes

And while IVF has helped millions to conceive, it would be misguided to view it as a safety net: the odds of conceiving via IVF aged 40-42 aroundound 20%, half what they are for those aged 18-34.

The Guardian - Opinion

As originally conceived, it was meant to be a report from a troubled land, or homeland: Africa.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conceive it to be" when you want to express a formal or thoughtful understanding of a situation or concept. It's particularly effective in academic, philosophical, or literary contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "conceive it to be" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound stilted or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "think" or "believe" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conceive it to be" functions as a verb phrase used to express a particular understanding, judgment, or belief about something. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct. The examples show its use in conveying one's understanding of a concept or duty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "conceive it to be" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to express a formal understanding or considered opinion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for expressing one's perspective in academic, philosophical, and literary contexts. While not frequently used, when you want to emphasize thoughtful consideration, this expression can be really helpful. Remember to avoid using it in informal settings to maintain a natural tone. Alternatives such as "consider it as", "regard it as", and "believe it to be" are useful depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consider it as

Replaces "conceive" with "consider", focusing on thoughtful evaluation.

regard it as

Substitutes "conceive" with "regard", emphasizing a specific viewpoint.

view it as

Uses "view" instead of "conceive", highlighting a way of seeing or understanding something.

deem it to be

Replaces "conceive" with "deem", suggesting a more formal judgment.

perceive it as

Emphasizes the act of becoming aware through the senses or intellect.

understand it as

Focuses on grasping the meaning or nature of something.

believe it to be

Highlights a conviction or acceptance that something is true.

imagine it as

Replaces "conceive" with "imagine", suggesting visualization or creative thought.

take it to be

Implies an assumption or interpretation of something.

judge it to be

Substitutes "conceive" with "judge", indicating a formal assessment or opinion.

FAQs

How can I use "conceive it to be" in a sentence?

You can use "conceive it to be" to express a formal understanding or opinion. For example, "I conceive it to be my duty to help others" or "She conceived it to be a great honor to receive the award".

What are some alternatives to "conceive it to be"?

Alternatives include "consider it as", "regard it as", or "believe it to be". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "conceive it to be" formal or informal?

"Conceive it to be" tends to be more formal. Simpler alternatives like "think" or "believe" are more appropriate for informal settings.

When is it appropriate to use "conceive it to be"?

It's appropriate in academic writing, philosophical discussions, or formal speeches where you want to express a well-considered understanding or viewpoint. It adds a layer of thoughtfulness and deliberation to your statement.