in conception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in conception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial idea or planning stage of a project, concept, or theory. Example: "The design of the new product was still in conception when the team gathered for the brainstorming session."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Rubbish in conception.

The Guardian

Actually, in conception, no.

The New York Times

The general scheme is dendrological in conception.

The New Yorker

This notion, maximalist in conception, is minimalist in effect.

The New Yorker

Other dishes, though pleasing in conception, suffered during preparation.

The New York Times

The speech is grounded in conception, birth, death and rebirth.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, men still play a fairly crucial role in conception.

The Guardian

The Fibonacci work is not, in conception, anyway, pure numerology.

The New Yorker

Simple enough in conception, these images are nonetheless deeply unsettling.

The New York Times

It's as elegant in conception as a windup toy.

The New York Times - Magazine

The typical Roman road was bold in conception and construction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "in conception" with adjectives like 'simple', 'elegant', or 'flawed' to provide more specific insights into the initial design or idea.

Common error

Avoid using "in conception" when you're actually referring to the implementation or execution of a plan. For example, don't say "The project was brilliant in conception but failed due to poor management." Instead, say "The project's concept was brilliant, but its execution was flawed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in conception" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective by specifying a particular stage or aspect of something, such as a plan or idea. Ludwig examples show this in contexts ranging from project design to scientific studies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Unknown

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in conception" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to describe something from the perspective of its initial design or idea. Common in News & Media and Science contexts, it's used to assess the potential or inherent limitations of a concept in its early stages. While synonyms like "at its "inception"" and "in the planning stage" exist, "in conception" offers a specific nuance that's valuable across various analytical fields. It is crucial to distinguish it from "in execution" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its inception

Similar to 'in conception', but emphasizes the formal start or establishment.

in the planning stage

Specifically refers to the period when plans are being made.

in the design phase

Specifically points to the period when something is being designed.

in its initial stage

Focuses on the temporal aspect of being at the beginning.

at the outset

Emphasizes the very start or beginning of something.

in its infancy

Highlights the early, undeveloped stage of an idea or project.

as a concept

Focuses on the idea itself, rather than the development process.

in theory

Highlights the theoretical basis or idea behind something.

in principle

Highlights the basic idea or rule that something is based on.

in embryo

Evokes the image of something in a very early, undeveloped state.

FAQs

How can I use "in conception" in a sentence?

You can use "in conception" to describe the initial idea or planning stage of something. For example: "The project, though ambitious "in conception", faced numerous challenges during its implementation."

What's the difference between "in conception" and "in practice"?

"In conception" refers to the initial idea or design of something, while "in practice" refers to how it actually works or is implemented. Something that sounds good "in conception" may not always work well "in practice".

What are some synonyms for "in conception"?

Some synonyms for "in conception" include "at its "inception"", "in the planning stage", or "as a concept". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the idea is good in conception"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. You can also say "the idea is good "in theory"" or "the "concept" is sound". All these options convey a similar meaning.