concept of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "concept of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an idea, theory, or notion related to a specific subject. Example: "The concept of time travel has fascinated scientists and writers for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The Physiocrats' concept of economics".

The Economist

The concept of eternity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is no concept of the secular.

Independent

It was the concept of liberty.

The New Yorker

There was the whole concept of continuity.

The New York Times - Sports

I had grasped the concept of profit.

The New York Times

The concept of "anti-white" is interesting.

The New York Times

Everding explained his concept of the production.

The New Yorker

Or a concept of anything, except fucking".

The New Yorker

The concept of fragmentation deserves closer inspection.

The Economist

Gives his concept of the opera.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "concept of", ensure that the noun following 'of' is specific and clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of 'the concept of something', specify 'the concept of sustainable development'.

Common error

Avoid using "concept of" in overly abstract or vague contexts where a simpler word like 'idea' or 'notion' would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "concept of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce or specify an idea, principle, or abstract notion. Ludwig AI examples show its usage across various domains to define specific theoretical or abstract entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "concept of" serves as a crucial tool for introducing and defining ideas, theories, and abstract notions. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it’s grammatically correct and highly prevalent across a range of formal and informal contexts. While incredibly common, be mindful of overuse in contexts where simpler phrasing might suffice. Alternative phrases like "idea of" or "notion of" can offer similar meanings with slightly different connotations. Based on Ludwig's data, the phrase "concept of" maintains a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for professional, academic, and journalistic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

idea of

Focuses more on a general thought or notion rather than a structured understanding.

notion of

Suggests a more vague or less defined understanding.

understanding of

Emphasizes comprehension and knowledge regarding a subject.

perception of

Relates to how something is interpreted or viewed.

view of

Indicates a personal opinion or perspective on a matter.

sense of

Implies an intuitive or emotional grasp of something.

theory of

Refers to a formal explanation or model of how something works.

principle of

Denotes a fundamental rule or belief.

framework of

Suggests a structured system or set of ideas.

model of

Represents a simplified or idealized version of something.

FAQs

How can I use "concept of" in a sentence?

Use "concept of" to introduce a specific idea or understanding. For example, "The "concept of justice" varies across cultures."

What phrases are similar to "concept of"?

Alternatives include "idea of", "notion of", and "understanding of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, you might use "idea of" for a less defined notion and "understanding of" when referring to comprehensive knowledge.

Is it redundant to say "the concept of idea"?

Yes, using "concept of idea" is generally redundant. Instead, refine your sentence to use either "concept" or "idea" depending on the specific meaning you intend.

Which is better, "concept of" or "about"?

The choice depends on the context. "Concept of" is used to introduce or define an idea. "About" is more general. For example, "a book about history" versus "the "concept of historical analysis"".