conjure up

USAGE SUMMARY

'conjure up' is a valid phrase that can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe the act of creating an image, or conjuring thoughts, in one’s mind. For example, “The smell of freshly baked cookies conjured up memories of my childhood.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others conjure up foreign suitors.

The Economist

Conjure up some serious weather.

The Guardian

What does the name Bonney conjure up?

The New York Times

What does it conjure up for you?

The Guardian - Opinion

Surely he could conjure up another escape?

The Guardian - Sport

Certain locales conjure up powerful memories.

The New York Times - Arts

The dangers which petitioners conjure up are abstract ones.

Cornell University

Some historians conjure up a scene of orgiastic mayhem.

Independent

Few professions conjure up glamorous images like that of ambassadors.

The New York Times

No need, therefore, to conjure up cosmic dustballs.

The Economist

That very phrase seems to conjure up something.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conjure up" when you want to express the act of creating an image or idea in someone's mind, often with an element of magic or surprise.

Common error

While "conjure up" is widely used, avoid overusing it in highly formal or scientific writing where a more precise verb like "generate" or "evoke" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conjure up" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "conjure" with the particle "up" to create a new meaning. As shown in Ludwig, it's often used to describe the act of creating or summoning an image or idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conjure up" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the creation of images, memories, or ideas, often with a sense of ease or magic. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and common usage, further evidenced by its prevalence across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While generally neutral in register, it's wise to consider more formal alternatives in highly academic or scientific contexts. Remember to use "conjure up" when you want to vividly express the evocation of something in the mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evoke

Focuses on calling forth a feeling, memory, or image, often unintentionally.

invoke

Suggests a more formal or ritualistic act of calling something forth.

bring to mind

Emphasizes the act of causing something to be remembered or thought about.

call forth

Highlights the effort of summoning or producing something.

imagine

Focuses on creating a mental image or concept.

create

Emphasizes the act of bringing something new into existence, whether physically or mentally.

generate

Implies producing something, often in a systematic or methodical way.

produce

Focuses on making something available or visible.

summon

Suggests a deliberate and powerful act of calling something forth.

fabricate

Implies creating something artificial or invented.

FAQs

What does "conjure up" mean?

"Conjure up" means to create or imagine something, often a feeling, image, or memory, seemingly effortlessly or magically.

How can I use "conjure up" in a sentence?

You can use "conjure up" to describe how something makes you think of something else. For example, "The smell of rain always "brings to mind" memories of childhood."

What can I say instead of "conjure up"?

You can use alternatives like "evoke", "bring to mind", or "call forth" depending on the context.

Is "conjure" the same as "conjure up"?

While "conjure" can sometimes be used similarly to "conjure up", "conjure up" often emphasizes the seemingly effortless or magical creation of something in the mind.