General belief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "General belief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a widely held opinion or understanding among a group of people. Example: "The general belief is that exercise contributes to better mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Whitshanks didn't die, was the family's general belief.

The Guardian - Books

The dependence on the vortex intensity is almost linear in agreement with the general belief.

Combustion and Flame

The general belief that increase in pulse-on time reduces cutting time has been revisited.

Measurement

These results support the general belief that the chain-linking reactions dominate the modification process.

Polymer

The latter fact led to the general belief that Rembrandt printed his etchings himself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although that is the general belief, some say that each title brings its own challenges.

The New York Times - Sports

Contrary to general belief, the $2 bill is not being withdrawn from circulation.

The New Yorker

There's a general belief among people out there that they are being misled.

The Guardian

Dr. Jones also found that, contrary to general belief, psychological health in adolescence was not shaky.

The New York Times - Health

There was this general belief that athletes were getting something that they were not getting".

The New York Times

This is an extension of my general belief: "Do not disturb a complex system".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "general belief", ensure it accurately reflects the consensus or widespread opinion. If the belief is disputed, acknowledge alternative perspectives.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "general belief" as universally true without considering counter-evidence or dissenting opinions. Qualify the statement to indicate the extent of the belief's prevalence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "General belief" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a widely accepted idea or assumption, as illustrated by Ludwig: "The general belief is that..." It identifies a shared understanding within a community or society.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

55%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "General belief" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a widely held opinion or assumption. Ludwig confirms its prevalence across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While useful for setting the stage or presenting common viewpoints, it's crucial to avoid assuming universal agreement and to qualify the statement if the belief is not universally accepted. Alternatives such as "common consensus" or "widespread opinion" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Widespread opinion

Highlights the breadth of agreement on a subject.

Common consensus

Focuses on the agreement among a group of people.

Accepted view

Emphasizes that the idea is agreed on.

Public perception

Focuses on how something is viewed by the general public.

Established idea

Highlights that this idea is well rooted and unlikely to change.

Prevailing wisdom

Emphasizes the acceptance of a particular idea over time.

Conventional understanding

Focuses on the traditional and accepted interpretation of something.

Popular notion

Refers to a widespread but sometimes vague or simplistic idea.

Received knowledge

Implies the information has been passed down and is considered authoritative.

Collective consciousness

Suggests an idea deeply embedded in the shared beliefs of a society.

FAQs

How can I use "General belief" in a sentence?

You can use "general belief" to introduce a concept widely accepted within a group. For instance, "The "general belief" is that regular exercise improves health."

What are some alternatives to "General belief"?

Alternatives include "common consensus", "widespread opinion", or "public perception". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to assume something is a "General belief"?

No, be cautious when using "general belief". It's important to ensure the belief is actually widespread and not just your own assumption or a viewpoint held by a minority. Back up your claim with evidence or qualifiers.

How does "General belief" differ from "scientific fact"?

"General belief" reflects a widely held opinion or assumption, while "scientific fact" is supported by empirical evidence and rigorous testing. A "general belief" can be true or false, but a scientific fact is considered to be verifiably true.