concept

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "concept" is correct and is widely used in written English.
You can use it when referring to an idea, plan, or thought, or when referring to a particular system, theory, or model. For example: "The concept of sustainable development has become increasingly important in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is now, at least rhetorically, attacking the entire concept of progressive taxation.

The Economist

"A defence review – it is not a hugely impossible concept to understand.

The Guardian

Critics say: ID cards are a Big Brother concept.

The Guardian - Opinion

That would mean prior restraint, a concept that is anathema in America and other parts of the world, in which the state can effectively prevent a publisher from publishing, and I didn't want to get into that position.

The Guardian

"I think apps as a concept are going to go away because of wearables.

The Guardian - Tech

House of Blondie is a vintage concept store, run by Kareena Vinaik, selling jewellery, sunglasses and kitsch blouses under dozens of oversized light bulbs.

The Guardian - Travel

As he writes, these free-flying insects are the closest thing the natural world offers to our concept of the untethered human spirit.

The Guardian - Film

That's my form of policy concept research which you can engage with through the Avid social media channels, publications and reports.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They had no concept of something that was so original".

The Guardian - Music

After all, it's an entirely new concept, and its valuation (in dollar terms) has been tremendously volatile.

The Guardian - Money

The concept of repressed memories itself is, according to psychologist Chris French of the University of London, highly questionable.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "concept" when referring to an abstract idea or a general notion, especially in formal or academic writing. Ensure that the context clearly defines the concept you are discussing for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "concept" too frequently without adequately explaining or defining it. Overuse can make your writing vague and less impactful. Instead, ensure each use of "concept" is supported by context and examples to clarify its meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "concept" is as a noun. It refers to an abstract idea or general notion. Ludwig examples show it used to describe various ideas across different fields, consistent with its nominal role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "concept" is a noun widely used to refer to an abstract idea or general notion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media, and its semantic range includes synonyms like "idea", "notion", and "understanding". To use "concept" effectively, define it clearly in context to avoid vagueness. While versatile, be mindful of overuse. Common errors involve using it without sufficient explanation, so ensure it's supported by context and examples. Ludwig's examples showcase the breadth of its application across various fields, reinforcing its importance in conveying abstract ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

idea

Focuses on a mental image or thought, less formal than "concept".

notion

Implies a belief or opinion, often less developed than a "concept".

understanding

Emphasizes comprehension and knowledge, rather than a theoretical construct.

theory

Highlights a systematic explanation or set of principles.

principle

Refers to a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.

abstraction

Focuses on generalizing from specific instances, similar to one aspect of "concept".

construct

Highlights the idea as something built or created, often in a theoretical sense.

framework

Suggests a structure or set of guidelines for understanding something.

model

Implies a simplified representation of something complex.

perspective

Emphasizes a particular way of viewing or understanding something.

FAQs

How do I use "concept" in a sentence?

Use "concept" to refer to an abstract idea or a general notion. For example, "The "concept of justice" varies across cultures."

What can I say instead of "concept"?

You can use alternatives like "idea", "notion", or "understanding", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "concept" or "conception"?

"Concept" refers to an abstract idea, while "conception" refers to the formation of an idea or a mental image. The choice depends on whether you are referring to the idea itself or the process of forming it.

What's the difference between "concept" and "theory"?

A "concept" is a general idea, while a "theory" is a structured explanation or set of principles used to explain a phenomenon. A theory often incorporates multiple concepts.