he was conceived

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was conceived" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions about the beginning of life, pregnancy, or family history. Example: "According to family lore, he was conceived during a summer vacation in 1980."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

His mother is Vietnamese, and he was conceived during the Vietnam War.

The Washington Post

According to family lore, he was conceived the night after that scene was shot.

The New Yorker

Gregory's own donor is untraceable – he was conceived just before regulation, and therefore record-keeping.

The Guardian

He mentions that he was conceived here and that this was where he and Ustica had their first real date.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit … died … and on the third day he rose again.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary, a man like us in all things but sin.

Britannica

It is idiotic to attack somebody for a decision their parents made when they were a child, or money they earned before he was conceived.

Independent

He has a son, Tony (Corentin Devroey), who is Adrien's age and whom he describes as a "beer baby," meaning he was conceived in a stupor.

The New York Times

Buddhist religious tradition holds that a white elephant entered the mother of the Buddha when he was conceived, making the material of particular significance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But copyright was not on Mr. Simon's mind when he was conceiving Captain America.

The New York Times - Books

But when he was conceiving his second book, he did not plan to take the same approach and become an amateur M.M.A. contender.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing family history or origins, use "he was conceived" to specifically refer to the moment of conception, differentiating it from birth. This adds precision, especially in medical or biological contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "he was conceived" in contexts where "he was born" is more appropriate, particularly in casual conversation or when focusing on the event of birth rather than the specific moment of conception.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was conceived" functions primarily as a passive construction indicating the beginning of a person's existence. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and common across various contexts. Examples show its use in discussions about family history, historical events, and even fictional narratives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was conceived" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that specifies the moment of conception. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears in diverse contexts, from news reports to encyclopedic entries. While "he was born" is a more common and general phrase, "he was conceived" is valuable when precision about the beginning of biological development is needed. Understanding its nuances, as well as its appropriate contexts, is key to effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was born

A straightforward alternative, though it focuses on the birth event rather than conception.

he began life

A simple and direct way to express the start of his life.

his life began

Similar to 'he began life', emphasizing the start of his existence.

he came into existence

A more formal way of expressing the beginning of someone's life.

he was brought into being

Highlights the act of being created or caused to exist.

he originated

Focuses on the starting point or source of his being.

he was created

Focuses on the act of creation, regardless of the specific method.

he had his genesis

Emphasizes the creation or beginning, often used in a literary context.

he took form

Suggests a more abstract or metaphorical beginning.

he sprouted

This refers specifically to the beginning of new growth of a plant from a seed, bud, or spore.

FAQs

What does "he was conceived" mean?

The phrase "he was conceived" refers to the moment when a male's sperm fertilized a female's egg, initiating pregnancy and the development of a new individual. It specifies the start of biological development, distinct from birth.

When is it appropriate to use "he was conceived" instead of "he was born"?

Use "he was conceived" when focusing on the specific moment of conception, perhaps in discussions of family history, assisted reproductive technologies, or biological origins. Use "he was born" when referring to the event of birth and the start of life outside the womb.

Are there any formal alternatives to "he was conceived"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "he came into existence" or "he originated". These options are suitable for academic or professional writing where precision is valued.

Is it correct to say "he was conceived in [location]"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "he was conceived in [location]" indicates the place where conception occurred. For instance, "He was conceived in Morocco during a lull in the filming of 'Lawrence of Arabia'."