subtle concept

USAGE SUMMARY

"subtle concept" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to refer to an idea or belief that is difficult to understand or grasp due to its complexity. For example, "This article discusses the subtle concept of chaos theory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

This is a subtle concept.

The New Yorker

4. "Racial segregation" is a contested term, and a subtle concept.

University of California, Berkeley

Having sold a bunch of Britain's state-owned assets to the public, the City's bankers, lawyers, accountants and consultants went on to sell the idea around the world, as far afield as Brazil and China.The "private finance initiative" is an ungainly term for a more subtle concept.

The Economist

In modern theories of gravity, entropy is a subtle concept, but it seems to be of crucial importance.

Johns Hopkins University

To pursue Bell's argument, one needs both a more complex feminism that can allow Wharton to engage with James as an equal as well as a revised view of influence, in which a subtle concept of response and rewriting can replace the kind of one-way street of powerful writers and weak readers proposed by Harold Bloom.

Johns Hopkins University

It's a subtle concept, but central to certain theology related to the end of life.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Winter's art illuminates unusual words and subtle concepts.

The New York Times - Books

Drawing on the fantasy and disillusionment of luxury, Gispert analyzed subtle concepts with opulent visuals.

Huffington Post

Dr Regier, however, tests a subtler concept.

The Economist

Beneath the sophistry of these contradictions lie subtle and elusive concepts of limits and infinity, only completely explained in the 19th century when the foundations of analysis became more rigorous and the theory of transfinite numbers had been formulated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The subtle clinical concept of 'mind-blindness' is relevant here.

Consciousness and Cognition

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "subtle concept", ensure your writing provides enough context and explanation to make the concept accessible to your audience. Avoid assuming prior knowledge.

Common error

A common mistake is introducing a "subtle concept" without sufficient explanation. Readers may misinterpret the idea if its nuances aren't properly clarified. Always elaborate and provide examples.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subtle concept" functions as a noun phrase, where "subtle" modifies the noun "concept". It describes the nature or quality of the concept, indicating that it is not immediately obvious and requires careful consideration. Ludwig confirms that it indicates something abstract and hard to grasp.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

32%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "subtle concept" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to denote an idea or notion that is complex, nuanced, and not immediately apparent. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its proper usage in academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts. To effectively employ "subtle concept" in writing, it's crucial to provide adequate context and elaboration to ensure clarity for the reader. Common errors include assuming prior knowledge or failing to explain the nuances of the concept sufficiently. Related phrases such as "nuanced idea" or "intricate idea" can offer variety in your writing. In conclusion, while "subtle concept" is a valuable phrase for conveying complexity, its impact relies on clear and thorough communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nuanced idea

Replaces 'concept' with 'idea' and 'subtle' with 'nuanced', focusing on the fine distinctions of the idea.

delicate notion

Substitutes 'concept' with 'notion' and 'subtle' with 'delicate', highlighting the fragility or sensitivity of the concept.

intricate idea

Replaces 'subtle' with 'intricate', emphasizing the complexity and interwoven details of the concept.

refined understanding

Shifts the focus to the act of understanding, replacing 'concept' with 'understanding' and 'subtle' with 'refined'.

complex abstraction

Replaces 'subtle' with 'complex' and 'concept' with 'abstraction', underscoring the abstract and complicated nature of the idea.

understated idea

Substitutes 'subtle' with 'understated', suggesting the concept is intentionally presented in a restrained manner.

implicit understanding

Emphasizes that the understanding is not explicitly stated, using 'implicit' instead of 'subtle'.

fine distinction

Focuses on the act of making a distinction, implying a need for careful perception.

difficult proposition

Highlights the challenging nature of the concept, using 'difficult' instead of 'subtle' and 'proposition' instead of 'concept'.

sophisticated consideration

Replaces 'concept' with 'consideration' and 'subtle' with 'sophisticated', emphasizing the level of complexity and discernment involved.

FAQs

How can I effectively introduce a "subtle concept" in my writing?

Begin by providing a clear definition and then use examples or analogies to illustrate the concept. Break down the "subtle concept" into smaller, more manageable parts to aid understanding.

What are some synonyms for "subtle concept" that I can use to vary my writing?

You can use alternatives such as "nuanced idea", "delicate notion", or "intricate idea" depending on the specific context.

Is "subtle concept" appropriate for formal or informal writing?

The phrase "subtle concept" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, but it's more commonly found in academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts. Adjust your tone and explanation based on your audience.

What makes a concept "subtle"?

A concept is considered "subtle" when it involves nuances, complexities, or distinctions that are not immediately obvious. It often requires careful consideration and analysis to fully grasp its meaning.