conceived the notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conceived the notion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the origin of an idea or thought that someone has developed or imagined. Example: "After much contemplation, she conceived the notion that a community garden could bring the neighborhood together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The man who originally conceived the notion of making a musical out of "Pygmalion" was Gabriel Pascal.

The New Yorker

Mr. Sherry conceived the notion of arranging a photograph of similar scope featuring classical composers, and then basing his festival on it.

The New York Times

He cites the work of the sociologist Ray Oldenburg, who conceived the notion of the "third place" — locations other than home or work that are "neutral, safe, public gathering spots".

The New York Times - Books

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

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

Comar had bought it a few days earlier, thinking he needed to look as professional and sane as possible, because ever since he conceived the notion of suing the planners of the war in Iraq, he had been conscious of not appearing a crackpot or dilettante.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Leontes, King of Sicilia (Watson), conceives the notion that his wife Hermione (Lauren Cuthbertson) has deceived him with his lifelong friend Polixenes, King of Bohemia.

The Guardian

He conceives the notion of importing boxloads of it to Ireland (where it is illegal) to raise money for his return trip to America.

The New York Times

After Crina, who turns out to be even more avaricious than Bughi, conceives the notion of collecting samples of the air in people's houses, they become their version of Bonnie and Clyde, knocking on doors and taking bogus samples.

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conceived the notion" to formally introduce the origin of a complex idea, plan, or concept.

Common error

Avoid using "conceived the notion" in informal contexts; opt for simpler alternatives like "came up with" or "thought of" for everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conceived the notion" functions as a verb phrase indicating the origin or beginning of an idea. It is used to describe the act of forming a thought or plan, often implying a degree of intellectual effort. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conceived the notion" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that describes the act of originating an idea or thought. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most fitting for formal contexts such as news reporting and scientific discussions. While alternatives like "formulated the idea" or "developed the concept" exist, this phrase maintains a unique sense of intellectual origination. Despite the phrase appearing less frequently than other options in everyday conversation, its role in establishing the origin of ideas makes it a valuable option for writers and speakers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formulated the idea

Focuses on the detailed creation and expression of an idea.

developed the concept

Emphasizes the gradual growth and refinement of a concept.

originated the thought

Highlights the beginning or source of a particular thought.

invented the idea

Suggests creating something entirely new, not just thinking about it.

came up with the idea

A more casual way of saying someone thought of something.

hit upon the idea

Implies discovering the idea suddenly or by chance.

devised the plan

Highlights the creation of a detailed scheme or method.

imagined the possibility

Focuses on visualizing or considering a potential outcome.

envisaged the concept

Suggests a detailed mental image or visualization of the concept.

sparked the thought

Highlights the initial trigger or inspiration for the thought.

FAQs

How can I use "conceived the notion" in a sentence?

You can use "conceived the notion" to introduce an idea or concept that someone has developed. For instance, "He "conceived the notion" of a self-sustaining community."

What are some alternatives to "conceived the notion"?

Alternatives include "formulated the idea", "developed the concept", or "came up with the idea". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "conceived of the notion" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "conceived of the notion" is less common and generally less preferred than the more direct ""conceived the notion"."

What is the difference between "conceived the idea" and "conceived the notion"?

While similar, "conceived the idea" is broader, whereas ""conceived the notion"" often implies a more complex or abstract concept.