A concept is a general or abstract idea, a notion is a looser belief that is often questioned, and a perspective is a point of view.
Core abstract nouns
Not "Many people hold the perspective that talent is fixed." — say "Many people hold the notion that talent is fixed.". A belief someone holds is a notion, while a perspective is the angle you see from.
Try it: Hiroshi: Our paper only quotes the city council. Camila: Then let's add the ___ of the shop owners too. Choose the word for the blank. (perspective / notion / implication) Answer: perspective — The shop owners have their own point of view, and a point of view is a perspective.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
concept
/ˈkɑnsɛpt/
The concept of fairness shaped the whole debate about school funding.
notion
/ˈnoʊʃən/
The essay challenges the popular notion that hard work always guarantees success.
perspective
/pərˈspɛktɪv/
From a legal perspective, the case is far more complex than it first appears.
Consequences and meaning
An implication is a consequence that follows, significance is how much something matters, and a phenomenon is an observed event or pattern.
Not "These phenomena is hard to explain." — say "These phenomena are hard to explain.". Phenomenon is singular and phenomena is plural.
Try it: Camila: So if fees go up, fewer part-time students will enroll? Hiroshi: Yes, that's the main ___ of the new policy. Choose the word for the blank. (implication / significance / phenomenon) Answer: implication — Fewer students enrolling is a consequence of the policy, and a consequence that follows is an implication.
Try it: Camila: Why does the panel care so much about one small study? Hiroshi: Because of its ___. It's the first to follow students for ten years. Choose the word for the blank. (significance / phenomenon / notion) Answer: significance — The panel cares because the study matters, and how much something matters is its significance.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
implication
/ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃən/
One serious implication of the new law is that smaller firms will face higher compliance costs.
significance
/sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns/
The significance of the finding was immediately clear to the research team.
phenomenon
/fəˈnɑmɪnɑn/
Burnout among new teachers is a phenomenon that many districts have struggled to explain.
What are the common mistakes?
Incorrect
Correct
Why
Many people hold the perspective that talent is fixed.
Many people hold the notion that talent is fixed.
A belief someone holds is a notion, while a perspective is the angle you see from.