conceive that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conceive that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to form or develop an idea, thought, or understanding about something. Example: "I can conceive that there are multiple perspectives on this issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

How did you conceive that approach?

The New York Times - Magazine

"Can you conceive that one day Jews will not live in Hebron?" Sharon retorted.

The New Yorker

It is very difficult; very, very difficult to conceive that Sanjay had no idea what was going on".

The New York Times

People use donors because they want to love and raise a healthy child and need help to conceive that child.

The New York Times

How do you conceive that look and feel in your mind and how do you convey that to your cinematographer?

The Guardian - Film

Let us conceive that case reversed;—imagine this country taking the produce of some other country to the amount of 2,600,000l.

The Economist

We may conceive that area V4 and the PITC play complemental roles in such multiple pathways for color vision.

Cerebral Cortex

It is hard to conceive that changes in epitype in the nucleus of each neuron direct such complexity, even if the combinatorial capacity exists in the epigenome.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

I do not think one can neglect that it is easier to conceive that difficulties of a transitory internalization are easier to surmount than a permanent internalization.

Biology Direct

For such cases, we conceive that approximation of distribution curve by a more suitable function or a restricted cubic spline function [ 41] creates a workable situation.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Many conceive that mathematical models are of no use until enough data are available so that they can be made very detailed.

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, "conceive that" can be used to introduce a theoretical possibility or a proposed explanation based on observation or data. For example, "We "conceive that" 6e may serve as a promising lead compound for anti-DENV drug development."

Common error

While "conceive that" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "imagine that" or "believe that" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conceive that" functions as a cognitive verb construction, introducing a subordinate clause that expresses a thought, idea, or belief. Ludwig shows it's used to convey the act of forming a mental concept or understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conceive that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the formation of an idea, thought, or belief. Ludwig indicates it is frequently used in News & Media and Science, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While "conceive that" is correct, simpler alternatives like "imagine that" or "believe that" might be more appropriate in informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its role in conveying cognitive processes and intellectual perspectives. It's a versatile phrase applicable in various settings, though awareness of register is important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Imagine that

Focuses on the act of forming a mental image or idea, similar to "conceive that", but with a stronger emphasis on visualization.

Envision that

Emphasizes a detailed and vivid mental picture, suggesting a more elaborate form of conceiving.

Believe that

Indicates a conviction or acceptance of something as true, focusing on the acceptance rather than the formation of the idea.

Understand that

Stresses comprehension and grasping the meaning of something, rather than just forming a concept of it.

Realize that

Highlights the process of becoming aware of something, often implying a change in understanding.

Grasp that

Emphasizes the act of seizing or firmly understanding an idea, suggesting a more active mental effort.

Comprehend that

Implies a thorough and complete understanding of something, often involving complex ideas.

Assume that

Suggests accepting something as true without proof, implying a degree of uncertainty.

Presume that

Similar to "assume that", but often implies a stronger basis for the assumption, such as past experience.

Hypothesize that

Involves forming a tentative explanation or theory, typically in a scientific or investigative context.

FAQs

What does "conceive that" mean?

"Conceive that" means to form or develop an idea, thought, or understanding about something. It often implies a mental process of creating or grasping a concept.

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

You can use "conceive that" to express the ability to form an idea or to introduce a thought process. For example, "It's hard to "conceive that" a president from the far right might govern France."

What can I say instead of "conceive that"?

You can use alternatives like "imagine that", "believe that", or "understand that" depending on the context.

Is "conceive of" the same as "conceive that"?

While related, "conceive of" typically refers to forming a general idea or mental representation, while "conceive that" introduces a specific proposition or belief. For example, "I can "conceive of" a world without war" vs. "I can't "conceive that" he would do such a thing."