had been conceived

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had been conceived" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that an idea or plan was formed or developed in the past, often before another event or time reference. Example: "The project had been conceived long before the funding was secured."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A new firm, Giuliani Partners, had been conceived.

The Economist

The show had been conceived under demanding circumstances.

The New Yorker

Timbers presented a scale model of the stage design, which had been conceived by Chris Barreca.

The New Yorker

Among other things, zolpidem had been conceived by chemists, not biologists, which was unusual.

The New Yorker

Actually, her fall collection looked as if it had been conceived in a taxidermist's studio.

The New York Times

The building had been conceived during the boom times, and was born just after the bust.

The New York Times

His magnum opus, "The Life of Andrew Jackson," had been conceived as a single volume.

The New York Times - Arts

She added the plans had been conceived before the the economy turned sour.

The Guardian

It transpired that baby Pearl had been conceived in a cruise ship hot tub.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He said the child had been conceived during a conjugal visit, although such visits are not permitted.

The New York Times

The design had been conceived by the French educator Pierre, baron de Coubertin, who developed the modern Olympic movement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had been conceived", ensure the timeline is clear by establishing a reference point in the past. For example, "The project had been conceived before the new management took over."

Common error

Avoid using "had been conceived" when an active voice is more direct and clear. For example, instead of "The idea had been conceived by the team", try "The team conceived the idea."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had been conceived" functions as a past perfect passive construction. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its role in describing an idea or plan that was formed before a specific time in the past. It emphasizes the completed nature of the conception prior to another event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had been conceived" is a grammatically correct and frequently used past perfect passive construction. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to establish a clear timeline by indicating that an idea or plan was formed before a specific point in the past. While it appears most often in news and media contexts, it is also found in encyclopedias and scientific publications, suggesting a relatively formal register. When writing, use "had been conceived" to provide context and clarify the sequence of events, and avoid using it when a more direct, active voice would be clearer. Alternatives include "was developed", "was designed", and "was planned", depending on the nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was conceptualized

Uses a slightly more formal term to describe the beginning of an idea.

was formulated

Emphasizes the structured and systematic development of an idea or plan.

was originated

Highlights the point of origin or initial creation.

was developed

Focuses on the process of growth and refinement of an idea.

was created

A more general term indicating something was brought into existence.

was planned

Emphasizes the intentionality and forethought behind the creation.

was designed

Suggests a specific purpose or function was intended from the start.

was imagined

Highlights the role of creativity and vision in the idea's genesis.

was brought about

Focuses on the action that led to the creation of something.

was brought into being

A more elaborate way of saying something was created or started.

FAQs

How can I use "had been conceived" in a sentence?

Use "had been conceived" to indicate that an idea, plan, or creation was formed or developed at some point in the past, before another action or time. For example: "The building had been conceived during the boom times."

What are some alternatives to "had been conceived"?

You can use alternatives such as "was developed", "was designed", or "was planned" depending on the specific context.

Is "had been conceived" formal or informal?

"Had been conceived" can be used in both formal and neutral contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the audience. It is suitable for news articles, academic papers, and professional communications.

What's the difference between "had been conceived" and "was conceived"?

"Had been conceived" (past perfect) indicates that the conceiving happened before another point in the past. "Was conceived" (simple past) simply states that the conceiving happened at some point in the past, without specifying its relation to another past event.