initial concept

USAGE SUMMARY

"initial concept" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to an idea or thought that was the first to be presented or suggested. For example, "The initial concept for the project was deemed too ambitious, so it was scaled back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At least that was the initial concept.

The New York Times

It all depends on the initial concept.

The New Yorker

This was the initial concept of Terminal City, as the horseshoe-shaped loop is officially called.

The New York Times - Arts

The 12-tone method is simple in initial concept and prohibitively daunting in execution.

The New York Times - Arts

Gaye adopted the song's initial concept and reworked it, lyrically and melodically, adding his own personal experiences into the mix.

The Guardian - Music

But what makes Philadelphia's grid so distinctive, and enduring, is "the green idea" embedded in its initial concept.

The Guardian

'When I started these paintings just before Christmas, I had the initial concept of painting the source of the Rhine.

The Guardian - Arts

Ms. Hadid and Mr. Schumacher reviewed and changed numerous options developed mainly by Mr. Pauwels, based on the initial concept.

The New York Times - Arts

"The music influenced the storytelling; it was part of the initial concept," Mr. Zilberman said.

The New York Times

Lead times of 18 to 25 years from initial concept to in-service production are not unknown in defense procurement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Glass's realization that the initial concept could be adapted to connect people to their friends was significant.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "initial concept" to establish a baseline understanding before diving into complex details or deviations.

Common error

Avoid using "initial concept" when referring to the finalized version of a project or idea. The term specifically denotes the starting point, not the end result. Use terms like "final design" or "ultimate goal" to describe the completed product.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial concept" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the original or preliminary idea, plan, or design for something. Ludwig AI provides examples where it's used in varied contexts, from memorial designs to software development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initial concept" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to the starting idea or plan for something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, it's important to distinguish it from the final design or outcome and to avoid redundant phrasing. Alternatives like "original idea" or "starting point" can be used for variety. This phrase serves to clarify the origins and development of projects or ideas, providing a clear point of reference in discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

original idea

Emphasizes the novelty and source of the thought.

first thought

Stresses the temporal aspect of the idea being the earliest.

foundational concept

Highlights the core and fundamental aspect of the idea.

starting point

Focuses on the beginning as a place or moment from which something originates.

primary notion

Stresses the importance of the idea as the most significant one at the beginning.

basic premise

Indicates a foundational assumption or idea upon which something is built.

preliminary notion

Highlights the early and potentially incomplete nature of the idea.

nascent idea

Emphasizes the newness and potential for development of the concept.

early design

Refers specifically to the initial stage of planning something visual or structural.

incipient plan

Highlights that the idea is in the early stages of development as a structured plan.

FAQs

How can I use "initial concept" in a sentence?

You can use "initial concept" to refer to the first idea or plan for something. For example, "The "initial concept" for the app was to connect local farmers with consumers."

What's a good alternative to "initial concept"?

Alternatives to "initial concept" include "original idea", "starting point", or "basic premise" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "initial concept idea"?

Yes, "initial concept idea" is typically redundant because "concept" already implies an idea. Stick to just "initial concept" for clarity.

How does "initial concept" differ from "working hypothesis"?

"Initial concept" refers to a general idea or plan, while "working hypothesis" is a specific, testable statement used in scientific inquiry. A "working hypothesis" is more structured and requires empirical validation.