was not conceived

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not conceived" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was not imagined, planned, or created, often in a context discussing ideas, projects, or concepts. Example: "The project was not conceived with the intention of being a commercial success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And it was not conceived as a means of instilling discipline in unruly young men.

The Guardian - Books

Neoliberalism was not conceived as a self-serving racket, but it rapidly became one.

The Guardian - Books

The role, created by the great Richard Burton, was not conceived for a real singer.

The New York Times - Arts

Supporters say Nafta was not conceived to solve domestic problems for any member country.

The New York Times

It was not conceived as a list of things to hear.

The New York Times - Arts

"The show was not conceived with religion in mind," said Sera Gamble, the head writer of "Supernatural".

The New York Times - Arts

"Facebook was not conceived in the smartphone era and therefore did not have it in mind as a platform.

Independent

Mr. Pinault stressed that this was not conceived as a marketing event and praised "the real sincerity" of Ms. Giannini.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Rolling Stone's Hall of Fame wasn't conceived for aging hippies, Mr. Brackett said.

The New York Times - Arts

"It wasn't conceived as one," says Fairman. "It was conceived as a story about people's relationships with addiction".

The Guardian

That weepy Rodgers and Hammerstein chestnut "We Kiss in a Shadow" wasn't conceived as a gay-rights anthem.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was not conceived", ensure the context clearly explains what the subject was intended for, or what its actual origin or purpose turned out to be. This provides a complete picture to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "was not conceived" in contexts where simpler alternatives like "was not planned" or "was not intended" would suffice. Overusing it in informal settings can sound unnecessarily stiff or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not conceived" functions as part of a verb phrase often used to negate the idea that something was originally intended or designed for a particular purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's used to clarify the initial intent or design versus the current application or interpretation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was not conceived" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that something's initial design or purpose differed from its current state or use. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, serving to clarify original intent and correct possible misinterpretations. While generally neutral to formal in register, remember simpler alternatives might be suitable for very casual settings. Usage examples confirm its role in emphasizing the evolution of ideas, plans, and systems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was not designed

Focuses on the lack of intentional design rather than initial thought.

was not intended

Highlights the absence of a specific purpose or goal.

was not planned

Emphasizes the lack of pre-arrangement or forethought.

was not imagined

Stresses the absence of initial visualization or ideation.

was not created

Highlights the lack of initial construction or formation.

was not developed

Indicates the absence of an initial stage of growth or evolution.

was not formulated

Emphasizes the lack of a defined structure or expression.

was not envisioned

Highlights the absence of a mental picture or concept.

was not dreamt up

Informal way of saying something wasn't initially thought of.

didn't start out as

Indicates that something's current state or function differs from its original purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "was not conceived" in a sentence?

Use "was not conceived" to indicate that something's original intention or design was different from how it's currently understood or used. For example, "The software "was not conceived" as a tool for mass surveillance."

What's a simpler way to say "was not conceived"?

Consider using phrases like "was not intended", "was not designed", or "was not planned" as more straightforward alternatives, depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "was not conceived as" or "was not conceived to be"?

Both "was not conceived as" and "was not conceived to be" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the intended meaning. "As" implies identity or role, while "to be" suggests purpose or potential. For example, "It "was not conceived" as a weapon" versus "It "was not conceived" to be used in combat."

What is the difference between "was not conceived" and "was never conceived"?

"Was not conceived" indicates that something's initial creation or planning didn't include a particular idea or purpose. "Was never conceived" emphasizes that the idea or purpose was absent not only at the beginning but also at any point thereafter. It suggests a more absolute absence of the concept.