the conception vs a conception

Both 'the conception' and 'a conception' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'The conception' is used when referring to a specific, known conception, while 'a conception' is used when referring to any general or unspecified conception.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1242 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a specific, known conception.

"the conception"

Use 'the conception' when you are referring to a particular conception that is known or has been previously mentioned.

Examples:

I am familiar with the conception of democracy that you are referring to.
The conception of the project was clear from the beginning.

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The European Commission continues to play a central part in the conception and execution of that policy.
There are four stages: the conception or planning of the programme, its application, monitoring and evaluation.
Development effectiveness requires that gender analysis should be systematically integrated into the conception, implementation and evaluation of all development strategies.
Impact assessment must be conducted during the conception of proposed aviation security rules and prior to their introduction in order to evaluate their effectiveness in addressing security risks and threats.
We must prepare the gestation, select the father, control the conception.
First, it means the conception of a new life.
Regions and municipalities are the first concerned in cases of disaster and should therefore be fully involved in the conception, implementation and monitoring of civil protection policies.
It is a matter of introducing the perspective of gender into the conception, implementation and followup of these policies and these actions.
More ambition, indeed, in dialogues with civil society and local authorities, to enhance their involvement in the conception and control of the implementation of this instrument.
Regions and municipalities are the first concerned in cases of disaster and should therefore be fully involved in the conception, implementation and monitoring of civil protection policies.
We cannot confine ourselves to proposing new, specific research programmes - we must establish a new approach, concentrating on priority themes, which means, to some extent, a fundamental change in the conception of community research.
Mrs Mikko's original proposal - which, among other things, covered the possibility of registration, a right to reply and facilities to prosecute authors of blogs - was far removed from the conception I have of freedom of expression and opinion-forming.
stresses that local and regional authorities must be fully involved in the conception, development, adoption and implementation of national climate change strategies and actions plans;
The mission of the JRC is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of Community policies, aiming at keeping European research at the forefront.
First, there is the Stakeholders' Advisory Group on Aviation Security which consists of air transport industry representatives among others, and it is fully involved in the conception of any proposed measures on aviation security.
Consequently, researchers are described as: 'Professionals engaged in the conception or creation of new knowledge, products, processes, methods and systems, and in the management of the projects concerned.'
Professionals engaged in the conception or creation of new knowledge, products, processes, methods and systems, and in the management of the projects concerned.
the customer enterprise, also said main contractor, participates in the conception of the product providing, even partially, technical specifications to the supplier enterprise, also said subcontractor, and/or provides it with the materials to be processed;
The mission of the JRC is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of EU policies.
The mission of the JRC is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of EU policies.

Alternatives:

the idea
the notion
the concept
the understanding
the belief

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to any general or unspecified conception.

"a conception"

Use 'a conception' when you are referring to any general or unspecified conception without specifying a particular one.

Examples:

She has a unique conception of art.
A conception of justice that is fair to all is essential.

Show examples from the web [+]

This situation refers to a conception of multilevel intergovernmentalism.
We are deeply opposed to the view that the extermination of European Jews by the Nazis came from a conception of history that was developed by the Soviet regime.
Yes, but... what if there is, in fact, a conception?
Yes, but... what if there is, in fact, a conception?
See, it's outrageous as a conception, but it [unclear].
Spent the first six months breastfeeding, the way I can see it. See, it's outrageous as a conception, but it [unclear].
It is not possible to seek both total integration of nations and true subsidiarity, unless we can demonstrate a conception of the nations as being simple administrative districts.
In view of these circumstances, these voices are demanding that the EU and the European External Action Service, in particular, should in future treat those countries essentially as a homogeneous competing bloc, and should adopt measures on the basis of such a conception.
The successful implementation of the desired reforms requires the support of the public, for which a greater universal level of awareness is necessary, as well as a conception of the importance of and the reasons for the reforms.
The European Union does not have a conception in this matter, but in reality, it is simply stumbling along led by the events.

Alternatives:

an idea
a notion
a concept
an understanding
a belief

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the conception vs a conception

"the conception"

"a conception"

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