might have conceived

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might have conceived" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or speculation about an idea or thought that someone could have had in the past. Example: "She might have conceived a brilliant plan if she had more time to think about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Jason, dressed in traditional coyote garb, confronts his father, with results a Greek tragedian might have conceived.

The New York Times - Arts

In other words, the film has a plot that you and your eight-year-old might have conceived together.

The New Yorker

It is just the sort of project our 6-year-old son, Sawyer, might have conceived and executed, but for lack of an underwriter.

The New York Times - Travel

Like something the Brothers Grimm might have conceived, the house has a large gabled dormer separating two Chinese pagoda-like pavilions, marble steps, and intricate fretwork.

The New York Times

After the interval, the "Art Ballet," to Spanish style steps: it is quite "strong," rather as Kurt Joos might have conceived a serious Spanish ballet, short and pithy.

The Guardian

"Bobrauschenbergamerica" means to be a theater work as Robert Rauschenberg might have conceived it if he had chosen to be a playwright.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Candice is African-American and her husband is Italian-American, and she had a very hard time finding a donor egg that would allow the baby that they might've conceived to look like a combination of her and her husband.

Huffington Post

Rather, DESCENT is the premiere work of the Kinetic Light collaborative, founded by Sheppard two years ago with the intention to create dance she realized that, as an artist with a disability, no one would choreograph for her, and furthermore, that a viewer might never have conceived of existing.

Vice

This result suggested that OA cartilage might suffer from a loss of regulation of MMP synthesis, for which we have conceived three hypotheses.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

NM have conceived the study.

BMC Cancer

And then it was back, jerking to a halt at the curb before him, as if responsive to Stevick's own presence, to his attentions; however absurd this notion might be, Stevick had conceived it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might have conceived" when expressing a hypothetical idea or possibility in the past, particularly when suggesting an alternative origin or design of something. For instance, "The play might have been conceived as a comedy, but it evolved into a tragedy."

Common error

Avoid using "might have conceived" to describe current plans or ideas. This phrase is specifically for past hypotheticals. Instead, use "might conceive" or "may conceive" for current or future ideas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might have conceived" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a hypothetical or speculative possibility in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in various contexts, indicating a conjecture about an idea's origin or formation. The examples show it used in discussions of artistic works, plans, and scenarios.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might have conceived" is a modal verb phrase used to express past hypothetical possibilities, particularly concerning the origins or formation of ideas or plans. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, primarily within News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias. While the phrase is not highly frequent, it offers a nuanced way to suggest alternative origins or intentions. When writing, ensure the tense is appropriate and consider alternative phrases like "could have imagined" or "may have devised" to adjust the nuance. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively use "might have conceived" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could have imagined

Expresses possibility of imagining something, differing in the modal verb used.

may have imagined

Indicates a possibility or speculation, with a slight shift in tone.

could have devised

Implies devising or inventing something, focusing on the creation process.

may have devised

Suggests possibility of devising, similar to "could have devised" but using 'may'.

might have invented

Focuses on the act of inventing, suggesting originality and innovation.

could have originated

Highlights the origin or beginning of something, with a modal "could".

may have originated

Highlights the origin or beginning of something, with a modal "may".

might have discovered

Emphasizes the finding or uncovering of something previously unknown.

could have unearthed

Suggests uncovering something hidden, implying a process of discovery.

may have unearthed

Suggests possibility of uncovering something hidden, implying a process of discovery.

FAQs

How can I use "might have conceived" in a sentence?

Use "might have conceived" to express a past possibility or speculation about an idea or plan. For example, "The author "might have conceived" the plot differently if he had more time."

What are some alternatives to "might have conceived"?

Alternatives include "could have imagined", "may have devised", or "could have originated", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "might of conceived" instead of "might have conceived"?

No, "might of conceived" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is ""might have conceived"", which uses the auxiliary verb "have".

What's the difference between "might have conceived" and "could have conceived"?

Both phrases express a possibility in the past, but ""might have conceived"" suggests a slightly lower probability than "could have conceived". "Could have" often implies more potential or ability.