vague conception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vague conception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an unclear or imprecise idea or understanding of a concept. Example: "His vague conception of the project led to confusion among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Herr Goebbel's apparently had some vague conception of this theory when he appealed for humorous contributions from "workers on the Western fortifications and in factories".

The New Yorker

A still more general (and vague) conception of logical relation is that it is any relation in which a logician may have a peculiar professional interest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What he did so well in his most recent collection was advance the old idea of the deconstructed garment, imparting to it more than a vague conception of distress.

The New York Times

Back then studies showed that simply sending out monthly bills left users with a vague conception of how they used power and what it cost.

Forbes

The vague conception of gay history most young men grow up with is that being gay was "illegal" until somewhere in the middle of the 20th century, and then there's been a gradual swing in tolerance until the present day.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Illustratively, the 21 managers interviewed by Teperi and Leppänen's [6], "were found to have disjointed and vague conceptions of HF" ([6], pp. 438).

European Transport Research Review

He added that "gender mainstreaming," a term right-wing Germans use to describe vague conceptions of gender equality, "is a psychological disease".

Vice

4. Counterfactual considerations should replace vague conceptions of "real" versus "spurious" association, which occasionally can still be read.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

He was, he made clear, illegitimate - his name a mystery, his father probably called Geddes, the circumstances of his conception vague.

The Guardian

So, we may assume that although the inventor of the name does not know the status, his vague, "senses-bound" conception, from which he takes his word's signification, is directed at the status, as to that which he intends to signify.[34] However, Abelard does not work out this suggestion in any further detail.

SEP

It's a cumbersome staging with a muddled conception vaguely suggesting 1930's Fascist Italy, with the Don as a dissolute millionaire playboy who seems to have a thing for leather outfits when he attempts rape.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vague conception", ensure that the surrounding text provides enough context to clarify the intended meaning, even if the concept itself is not fully defined.

Common error

Avoid using "vague conception" as a substitute for deeper analysis or specific details. If possible, clarify the specific aspects of the conception that are unclear or imprecise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague conception" functions as a noun phrase that describes an idea or understanding lacking clarity or precision. It often serves to introduce a topic or concept that requires further clarification or development. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vague conception" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an unclear or imprecise understanding of a concept. Ludwig AI validates its proper use in written English, as reflected in its appearance across various reputable sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica. While it isn't a frequently used phrase, it serves as a useful way to acknowledge a lack of clarity or precision when discussing abstract or developing ideas. To enhance clarity in writing, it's beneficial to follow up with further details to clarify the initial "vague conception".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear idea

Focuses on the lack of clarity in the idea itself.

imprecise notion

Highlights the lack of precision in the understanding of the notion.

ill-defined concept

Emphasizes the lack of clear definition of the concept.

fuzzy understanding

Indicates a lack of sharpness or clarity in comprehension.

hazy idea

Suggests a lack of distinctness in the idea.

nebulous concept

Implies that the concept is indistinct and formless.

ambiguous notion

Highlights the uncertainty and openness to multiple interpretations.

tenuous grasp

Focuses on the weakness or insecurity of the understanding.

sketchy knowledge

Indicates that the knowledge is incomplete and superficial.

rudimentary understanding

Emphasizes the basic and underdeveloped nature of the understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "vague conception" to describe an idea or understanding that is not clear or well-defined. For example, "His vague conception of the project led to confusion among the team members".

What are some alternatives to "vague conception"?

You can use alternatives like "unclear idea", "imprecise notion", or "ill-defined concept" depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific instead of using a "vague conception"?

In most cases, specificity enhances clarity. However, "vague conception" is useful when acknowledging that a full understanding is lacking or when discussing abstract ideas that are inherently difficult to define precisely.

What's the difference between "vague conception" and "misconception"?

"Vague conception" refers to an unclear or imprecise understanding, while "misconception" refers to an understanding that is incorrect. One is about lack of clarity, the other is about inaccuracy.