conceptual

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'conceptual' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an idea or concept that is not concrete or tangible. For example, "This project is a conceptual idea that needs further development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And at a mere two minutes, the mordant hilarity and conceptual perfection of Dutch mortality study A Single Life exceeds what many films achieve in 90 or more.

The Guardian - Film

In London, galleries in Chelsea allow in all and sundry for their openings and give you wine while you gaze at conceptual art.

The Guardian - Travel

For his new book, People of the Twenty-First Century, the photographer and conceptual artist spent 20 years lurking around shopping centres – initially in his native Netherlands, later in America and China.

The Guardian - Arts

The work that Mendes has produced is not grand and conceptual, but draws its impact from his ability to match actor and text.

The Guardian - Film

"This work takes on conceptual form, each track addressing and coming to terms with states of deep depression and anxiety," continues the release.

The Guardian - Music

"We're making decisions based on this direction: it's one of our navigational beacons," says Libin. "One of the nice things about having the 100-year startup as one of those beacons is it gives us the conceptual freedom to be like: 'We've got 98 more years, so what could we do in maybe 50 years from now?'".

The Guardian - Tech

From the children of the suburbs, one never knows what to expect.We may think of those brought up in communes by impossible radicals, conceptual artists and urban guerrillas as leading the more exciting and enviable lives.

The Guardian - Opinion

It launched what it called the City Prosperity Index [pdf], featuring an add-on conceptual aid, the Wheel of Prosperity.

The Guardian

Durden is a high-art prankster whose conceptual acts of sabotage include working in top-class hotels, urinating in the food, then suing them for poor health standards.

The Guardian - Film

Moreover, the Obama administration's pattern of targeted killings in the war on terror establishes an important conceptual point.

The Guardian - Opinion

In fact, Smith had already been considering the idea of fresco as a conceptual framework for a book; the notion of the underdrawing of the image being a presence beneath the surface, unseen yet present.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conceptual" to describe ideas, models, or systems that exist in the mind rather than in physical reality. For example, "a conceptual model of the market."

Common error

Avoid using "conceptual" when you mean something tangible or real. "Conceptual plans" are ideas, while "concrete plans" are actionable steps.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "conceptual" primarily functions to describe nouns related to ideas, thoughts, and abstract concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes something existing in the mind rather than physical reality. It's often used to qualify models, frameworks, and designs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "conceptual" is a frequently used term to define nouns related to ideas and abstract concepts. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes something existing in the mind rather than a tangible reality. Its versatility makes it suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from the formal parlance of news outlets like The Guardian and The Economist to professional documents and scientific discourse. While "conceptual" is primarily observed in neutral to formal registers, avoid it if you need to refer to something tangible or real. Alternatives like "theoretical", "abstract" or "intellectual" can be suitable substitutions, each carrying its own nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conceptual framework

Refers to an organized structure of ideas, models or concepts.

theoretical

Focuses more on the abstract and speculative nature of an idea.

abstract

Emphasizes the non-concrete and intangible aspects of an idea.

intellectual

Highlights the cognitive and rational elements of an idea.

hypothetical

Suggests an idea that is based on assumptions and not necessarily proven.

notional

Indicates an idea that is more of a concept than a practical reality.

ideological

Relates to a system of ideas and beliefs, often political.

philosophical

Implies a deeper, more fundamental examination of ideas.

theoretical framework

Suggests a structured set of ideas that provide a foundation for understanding.

abstract thinking

Indicates to the ability to think about things that are not physically present.

FAQs

How can I use "conceptual" in a sentence?

You can use "conceptual" to describe something related to abstract ideas or concepts. For example, "The project is still in the "conceptual phase", and we haven't started building anything yet."

What's a good synonym for "conceptual"?

Synonyms for "conceptual" include "theoretical", "abstract", and "intellectual". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "conceptual design"?

Yes, "conceptual design" is a common term, referring to the initial design phase where the focus is on exploring ideas and concepts rather than detailed specifications.

What's the difference between "conceptual" and "theoretical"?

"Conceptual" relates to concepts or mental conceptions, while "theoretical" relates to theories or abstract principles. While they are similar, "theoretical" often implies a more structured and formalized framework than "conceptual".