Expressing abstract ideas

This lesson shows how to present, clarify and discuss abstract ideas in English. Abstract ideas are general, non‑concrete concepts such as purpose, value, risk, or strategy. In business contexts you must make them understandable and persuasive.

• Introduce the idea clearly with a short phrase (e.g. "In essence", "At its core").
• Use concrete examples or data to illustrate the abstract concept.
• Use linking phrases to show relationships (e.g. "This implies", "It follows that").
• Hedge when necessary with modal verbs or cautious verbs (e.g. "may suggest", "seems to").

Follow a simple sequence to make abstract ideas clear and persuasive.

• Define: State the idea in one short phrase (e.g. "In essence").
• Illustrate: Give a concrete example, figure or scenario.
• Qualify: Use hedging if the claim is not certain (e.g. "may", "seems").
• Link: Use connectors to show cause or consequence (e.g. "therefore", "this implies").

Think: Define → Illustrate → Qualify → Link

Be aware of common, universal errors that reduce clarity when discussing abstract concepts.

• Using overly vague nouns without examples (e.g. "value" with no context).
• Overusing nominalizations (turning verbs into nouns) which can make writing dense.
• Failing to define key terms, causing ambiguity between readers.
• Making absolute claims without evidence; forget to hedge when uncertain.
• Mixing unrelated metaphors, creating confusion instead of clarity.
• Using unclear pronoun references that make it hard to know what 'it' refers to.

Clarify terms and support abstract claims with examples or data.