conception

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "conception" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the formation or creation of an idea or to the beginning of a pregnancy. Example sentence: His conception of a new path for the business was revolutionary.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because of their Christian idea – based on none of the kind of difficult facts Missourians claim (or at least claimed) to value – that a soul magically infuses a fertilized egg cell at the moment of conception.

The Guardian - Opinion

After all, we know that as soon as conception happens, a woman stops being her own person but is instead generic "mum", and should be talked to accordingly.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the first place, Gibbon said, the Romans had carried with them into slavery the culture of a free people: their language and their conception of themselves as human beings presupposed freedom.

The Guardian - Tech

Dr John Willke, an obstetrician who helped shape the modern anti-abortion movement with ideas including a belief that a woman can resist conception from a sexual assault, has died.

The Guardian

Bachmann believes life begins at conception and is 100% against a woman's right to have an abortion.

The Guardian

"A child born today will grow up with no conception of privacy at all.

The Guardian

All in all, it's a brutally reductive conception of civic life, and one with little to offer those of us whose notions of citizenhood are more robust.

The Guardian

Pixar's later films, by contrast, have been marvels of unfettered imagination, so unorthodox in their conception alone that they would never have got past the drawing board stage in 1995.

The Guardian - Film

The decision to focus on what's "on trend" at the time of conception can make a film seem embarrassingly dated when people finally get to see it, let alone when they stumble upon it years later.

The Guardian - Film

Alongside the exhibition, Foyles will be hosting a discussion on Wednesday 24 September exploring the journey of an Eyewitness image from its conception to appearing in the Guardian and beyond.

The Guardian

While I cherish the original conception of feminism, I understand those who object to the label today.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the beginning of a project or idea, use "conception" to emphasize the initial stage of development. For example: The project's "conception" was innovative.

Common error

Avoid using "conception" when you mean "perception". "Conception" refers to the formation of an idea, while "perception" relates to sensory awareness or understanding. Using one in place of the other would be incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The noun "conception" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the formation of an idea, plan, or concept in the mind, as highlighted by Ludwig. It can also refer to the beginning of pregnancy. Its versatility is evident across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conception" is a versatile noun with two primary meanings: the formation of an idea and the beginning of pregnancy. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, business, and science. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can increase in academic or scientific settings. When using "conception", it's important to distinguish it from words like "perception" to ensure accuracy. Ludwig AI confirms the word's proper usage, offering a wide array of examples from authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The Economist to illustrate its diverse applications. To enhance writing, consider alternative phrases like "conceptualization" or "idea formation" to avoid repetition and add nuance. The key takeaway is to use "conception" precisely to convey the initial development of an idea or the start of life, leveraging its rich history and varied contexts for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Conceptualization

Highlights the process of forming a concept or idea.

Formulation

Highlights the act of developing a plan or idea in detail.

Idea formation

Focuses more specifically on the creation of an idea.

Inception

Emphasizes the very beginning or start of something.

Origin

Refers to the starting point or source.

Commencement

Stresses the act or time of beginning something.

Brainchild

Indicates an original idea or invention.

Understanding

Focuses on the mental grasp of an idea or concept.

Realization

Emphasizes the point at which something becomes clear or understood.

Vision

Implies a broad, encompassing idea or mental image.

FAQs

How can I use "conception" in a sentence?

You can use "conception" to refer to the formation of an idea or plan, as in: "The artist's "conception" of the sculpture was unique". It can also refer to the beginning of pregnancy.

What are some alternatives to using "conception"?

Alternatives include "conceptualization", "idea formation", "inception", or "origin", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "conception" when referring to understanding?

While "conception" can relate to understanding, it's more precise to use it when referring to the formation or initial development of an idea rather than general comprehension. Consider alternatives like "understanding" or "perception" for general understanding.

What's the difference between "conception" and "perception"?

"Conception" refers to the forming of an idea or concept, while "perception" relates to how something is understood or interpreted through the senses. For example, "His "conception" of the project differed from his "perception" of its challenges".