Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
external concept
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "external concept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ideas, theories, or notions that originate outside a particular context or framework. Example: "In our discussion of cultural identity, we must consider the external concept of globalization and its impact on local traditions."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
After all, freedom isn't just an external concept, framed by our laws.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Some of these external concepts worked out swimmingly, as when Claire Porter (in the group led by Jane Comfort, Douglas Dunn and Lizzie Olesker) offered one fortune after another, pulling the slips of paper from various parts of her person and sometimes interrupting her own delivery for comments in between interruptions by K. J. Holmes noodling about her in annoying little-sibling fashion.
News & Media
Our new toys need to be used wisely: many works I hear seem to be created from the outside, stimulated by external concepts and sources, collected and assembled — rather than forged from an inner voice, cut out of whole cloth, from the imagination within.
News & Media
Those who used external concepts were less likely to use folders at all.
News & Media
The intention is to demonstrate that empowerment, while being a completely intrinsic function, can be used to construct contexts which correspond to external concepts, and can thus assign an analogy of "meaning" [58] [60] to the robot's actions.
Science
External concepts influenced how teams coordinated their work with outside agencies and/or individuals.
As Parikh concluded in her study of HIV and marriage in Uganda, "Risk-reduction strategies that build on a community's resources, understandings, and needs have a greater chance of being sustainable and effective than ones that impose external concepts, assumptions and priorities" ([ 38]: 1206).
Science
Methodological quality is a broader term that involves different concepts such as internal, external, construct, and descriptive validity [ 3].
Indeed, in a pinch, the "external aggression" concept trotted out by Makdissi could be easily stretched to encompass the various forms of foreign interference, such as the covert funding and arming of Syria's rebels (reportedly by the U.S., Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and various European countries including Great Britain and France), that is currently occurring.
News & Media
The fuzzy-Pareto dominance improves the selection process of candidate solution and two external archives concept helps in balancing the convergence and diversity.
In the external reactor concept the material charging and discharging is performed in a reactor separated from the material store whereas in the integrated reactor concept the charging and discharging take place directly in the material store itself.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "external concept" when you want to emphasize that an idea or framework comes from outside the specific context or system being discussed. This clarifies that the concept is not inherent or internally generated.
Common error
Avoid using "external concept" when a simpler term like "relevant concept" or "related idea" would suffice. Overusing "external" can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "external concept" functions as a noun phrase where 'external' modifies 'concept'. Ludwig AI indicates that it correctly refers to notions originating outside a specific framework, as seen in examples discussing freedom and robotics.
Frequent in
Science
35%
News & Media
35%
Formal & Business
30%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "external concept" is a valid and usable term in English, primarily functioning as a noun phrase to describe ideas or theories originating from outside a specific system or context. While not extremely common, as Ludwig AI indicates, it appears in a variety of sources, including news media, scientific publications, and online articles. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the "external" aspect is relevant and adds clarity to the discussion, avoiding overuse where simpler terms would suffice. Alternatives like "outside notion" or "imported concept" may be appropriate depending on the specific context.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Externally derived concept
Specifies the origin of the concept more explicitly.
Concept originating externally
Rephrases to emphasize the origination from an outside source.
Outside notion
Replaces "concept" with a more informal term, focusing on the idea as a general thought.
Concept with external roots
Focuses on the foundation or basis of the concept being external.
Concept influenced externally
Highlights the impact of external factors on the formation of the concept.
Extrinsic idea
Uses "extrinsic" which emphasizes the origin from outside.
Imported concept
Highlights the idea of bringing a concept from elsewhere.
External theory
Substitutes "concept" with "theory", suggesting a more structured framework.
Foreign idea
Emphasizes the unfamiliar or alien nature of the concept.
Concept from without
Uses a more literary or philosophical phrasing to indicate external origin.
FAQs
How can I use "external concept" in a sentence?
You might say, "The success of the project depended on understanding the "external concept" of market demand" or "The robot's actions are assigned an analogy of meaning, corresponding to "external concepts"".
What's a good alternative to "external concept"?
Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "outside notion", "extrinsic idea", or "imported concept" to convey a similar meaning.
Is "external concept" a formal or informal term?
"External concept" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in academic or technical discussions. Simpler terms like "outside idea" might be preferred in more casual settings.
What does "external concept" mean in the context of self-concept?
In psychology, "external self-concept" refers to how one's self-perception is influenced by external factors such as the opinions and expectations of others. It's related to how individuals seek approval or status.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested