conception of an idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conception of an idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the formation or development of a thought or concept. Example: "The conception of an idea often requires deep reflection and creativity to bring it to fruition."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The second factor is focusing on pricing being considered from the very conception of an idea.

Harvard Business Review

All architects operate in a kind of time lag between the conception of an idea and its realization in social space.

The New York Times

Nor is it the accurate and complete conception of an idea, as rationalism maintains.

SEP

Computers are right there alongside the scientist from beginning to end, from the initial conception of an idea through the development of the research program into the dissemination of the results.

Forbes

This conception of an idea is the basis for Descartes of what has been called the transparency of mind: I cannot be mistaken that I am thinking about what I am thinking about.

SEP

MW: Some authors want to handle every aspect of the novel -- from conception of an idea to marketing and distribution.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The first and by far the most important step towards creativity and innovation is the conception of a new idea.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

By far, the most important step is the conception of a new idea having the potential to be transformed to a successful business solution.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Even though there are no significant resources required for the conception of a new idea, this step contributes largely to the overall innovation/creation, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 Conception, exploration, and exploitation steps and their corresponding contribution to the overall innovation value.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Again, some terminological ambiguity exists because according to some philosophers, there are three contexts, not two: Only the initial conception of a new idea (the "eureka moment") is the context of discovery proper, and between it and justification there exists a separate context of pursuit (Laudan 1980).

SEP

To flesh out an understanding of this contradiction, the book examines the making and remaking of "Liberia", from its conception as an idea of liberty at the beginning of the nineteenth century to its reconstruction at the beginning of the twenty-first with the assistance of an international intervention to "establish a state based on the rule of law".

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the early stages of a project or research, use "conception of an idea" to emphasize the initial thought or concept that sparked the endeavor. It adds a touch of formality suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "conception of an idea" in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "coming up with an idea" or "thinking of an idea" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conception of an idea" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the initial stage of forming a thought or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in academic and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

21%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conception of an idea" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes the beginning of a thought or concept. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase finds its place mainly in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. While synonyms exist, such as "genesis of an idea" or "origination of an idea", "conception of an idea" is best suited for formal communication. When writing, be mindful of your audience and consider whether simpler alternatives are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genesis of an idea

Replaces "conception" with "genesis", emphasizing the origin or birth of the idea.

origination of an idea

Substitutes "conception" with "origination", highlighting the point at which the idea begins.

birth of an idea

Uses "birth" as a metaphor for the beginning or emergence of the idea.

emergence of an idea

Focuses on the idea coming into existence or becoming known.

formulation of an idea

Emphasizes the process of developing or creating the idea.

inception of a concept

Replaces "idea" with "concept" and maintains a formal tone.

development of an idea

Highlights the initial stages of growth and refinement of the idea.

creation of a concept

Focuses on the act of bringing the concept into being.

brainchild

Offers a more concise, idiomatic way to refer to the origin of an idea, implying it's someone's creation.

coming up with an idea

Uses a more informal, conversational tone to describe the process of generating an idea.

FAQs

How can I use "conception of an idea" in a sentence?

You can use "conception of an idea" to describe the initial formation of a thought or concept, such as: "The project began with the "conception of an idea" to improve urban transportation".

What are some alternatives to "conception of an idea"?

Alternatives include "genesis of an idea", "origination of an idea", or "formulation of a concept". Each carries a slightly different nuance related to the start of a new idea.

Is "conception of an idea" formal or informal?

"Conception of an idea" leans towards the formal side, suitable for academic or professional writing. Simpler alternatives exist for informal settings.

What's the difference between "conception of an idea" and "development of an idea"?

"Conception of an idea" refers to the very beginning, the initial spark. "Development of an idea" implies further refinement and expansion of that initial thought.