conceptually wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conceptually wrong" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing ideas, theories, or arguments that are fundamentally flawed in their underlying concepts. An example: "The theory is conceptually wrong because it ignores key evidence." Alternative expressions include "fundamentally flawed" and "theoretically incorrect."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Second, the idea is conceptually wrong.

The New York Times

There is nothing conceptually wrong with the states issuing these tobacco bonds if it were done on an honest basis.

Forbes

Even more important, Wieland was conceptually wrong by not recognizing that 'moral law' and 'natural necessity' can be subsumed under the one concept of 'natural right' only in a very broad sense.

SEP

While its admirers thought it  "a new science" of human nature, its critics — including Thomas Reid (1785, 84 94) and the later Coleridge ([1817] 1983), no longer the youthful radical — considered Hartley's Observations conceptually wrong and morally hazardous.

SEP

Alternative perspectives to Darwinian evolution, which attribute randomness to molecular change, deleterious nature to single-gene mutations, insufficient geological time or population size for molecular improvements to occur, or invoke "design creationism" to account for complexity in molecular structures and biological processes, are empirically unfounded and conceptually wrong.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The application of profile alignment in this situation is conceptually wrong, as noted at the beginning.

Bioinformatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"It was wrong conceptually, and it was wrong empirically," is how Professor Roger Middleton, economic historian at the University of Bristol, describes their thesis.

The Guardian - Opinion

These papers are phylogenetically profoundly wrong and conceptually defective in failing to be cell biologically or evolutionarily realistic.

Biology Direct

"Conceptually, of course, it's wrong.

The New York Times

Where Ms. Beecroft goes more seriously wrong, however, is conceptually: along with issues of voyeurism and sexual consumerism she has taken on race and racism.

The New York Times - Arts

There are so many things wrong with this conceptually, starting with the idea that a student is like a piece of manufacturing material and continuing on through the reaffirmation of the school-is-a-factory model of education.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "conceptually wrong", ensure you can articulate the specific conceptual flaw. Don't just state it's wrong; explain why it's wrong.

Common error

Avoid using "conceptually wrong" as a vague criticism. Provide specific details about the flawed concept to make your critique meaningful. For example, instead of saying "The approach is conceptually wrong", specify: "The approach is "conceptually wrong" because it assumes unlimited resources, which is unrealistic."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conceptually wrong" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is flawed or incorrect in its underlying idea or principle. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "conceptually wrong" serves as a critical assessment, indicating that an idea is flawed at its core. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and utility in expressing disagreement or critique. While not exceedingly common, its presence across science, news, and encyclopedic sources suggests its relevance in contexts demanding precision and clarity. When employing this phrase, substantiate your claim by articulating the precise conceptual flaw, avoiding vague criticisms. Consider alternatives like "fundamentally flawed" or "theoretically incorrect" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamentally flawed

Emphasizes the presence of a deep, foundational error in the idea itself.

theoretically incorrect

Highlights that the error lies within the theoretical framework or model.

mistaken in principle

Focuses on the incorrectness of the guiding principle or core belief.

based on a false premise

Indicates that the idea relies on an untrue or invalid assumption.

built on a faulty foundation

Implies the idea's structure is unsound due to problems at its base.

logically inconsistent

Highlights a breakdown in the internal logic and coherence of the idea.

incoherently designed

Describes idea that does not exhibit clear, orderly thought or expression.

erroneous in its understanding

Focuses on misinterpretation or inaccurate grasp of the relevant concepts.

invalid in its formulation

Points to problems with how the idea is expressed or structured.

misguided in its approach

Suggests that the method or strategy used is inappropriate or misdirected.

FAQs

How can I use "conceptually wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "conceptually wrong" to describe a theory, idea, or approach that is fundamentally flawed in its underlying concept. For example: "The idea that market deregulation always leads to economic growth is "conceptually wrong" because it ignores the potential for market manipulation and the need for consumer protection."

What are some alternatives to saying "conceptually wrong"?

Alternatives to "conceptually wrong" include "fundamentally flawed", "theoretically incorrect", or "mistaken in principle", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "conceptually incorrect" or "conceptually wrong"?

Both "conceptually incorrect" and "conceptually wrong" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often comes down to personal preference or the specific tone you want to convey. "Incorrect" might sound slightly more formal, while "wrong" can be more direct.

What does it mean for something to be "conceptually wrong"?

When something is described as "conceptually wrong", it means there's a flaw in the underlying idea, principle, or assumption. It's not just a minor detail that's off; the core concept itself is flawed, leading to potentially incorrect conclusions or outcomes.