Conventional wisdom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Conventional wisdom" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to widely accepted beliefs or opinions that are generally considered to be true. Example: "Conventional wisdom suggests that a balanced diet and regular exercise are key to maintaining good health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Conventional wisdom usually is).

The New York Times

Conventional wisdom is right.

The Guardian - Books

Conventional wisdom viewed that division as permanent.

The Economist

Conventional wisdom holds that Apple will win.

The New Yorker

Conventional wisdom says I won't improve.

Independent

Conventional wisdom said that it was.

The New Yorker

Conventional wisdom.

Forbes

Conventional wisdom is wrong.

Forbes

Conventional Wisdom Whiplash 09.21.01.

Forbes

Conventional wisdom no longer applies.

Forbes

Conventional wisdom may be wrong.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Conventional wisdom" when referring to beliefs widely accepted but possibly lacking critical examination. It's often effective when introducing a counterargument or questioning assumptions.

Common error

Avoid uncritically accepting "Conventional wisdom" as absolute truth. Always examine the evidence and consider alternative perspectives to form your own informed opinions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Conventional wisdom" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a set of beliefs widely accepted within a particular culture or society. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and frequently used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Conventional wisdom" is a noun phrase referring to widely accepted beliefs, often used to introduce a common viewpoint before questioning or analyzing it. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It appears frequently in news and media, as well as in formal business contexts. While the phrase itself is neutral in tone, its use often signals an intent to critically examine the validity or relevance of the belief being presented. The related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar concepts, each with subtle differences in emphasis. It's important to remember that while "Conventional wisdom" can provide a starting point, it should not be accepted without scrutiny.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Prevailing belief

Focuses on the widespread acceptance of a belief.

Common knowledge

Highlights the aspect of information being widely known.

Popular opinion

Emphasizes the acceptance of an idea among the general public.

Established view

Indicates a long-standing and accepted perspective.

Received wisdom

Suggests that the wisdom has been passed down and accepted without question.

Accepted dogma

Implies a set of principles laid down as incontrovertibly true.

Traditional belief

Highlights the historical and cultural roots of the belief.

Standard understanding

Focuses on a generally accepted interpretation.

General consensus

Emphasizes agreement among a group of people.

Widely held view

Indicates that the view is commonly shared among many people.

FAQs

How is "Conventional wisdom" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "Conventional wisdom" is used to refer to beliefs or ideas that are generally accepted as true by the public. For example, "Conventional wisdom suggests that a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for good health".

What are some alternatives to using "Conventional wisdom"?

You can use alternatives like "prevailing belief", "common knowledge", or "popular opinion" depending on the context.

Is it always accurate to rely on "Conventional wisdom"?

No, "Conventional wisdom" is not always accurate. It represents widely held beliefs that may not be based on thorough examination or current evidence. Critical thinking is essential.

What's the difference between "Conventional wisdom" and "expert opinion"?

"Conventional wisdom" reflects general public beliefs, while "expert opinion" represents insights from individuals with specialized knowledge and experience in a particular field. Expert opinions are generally more informed and rigorously evaluated.