Preconceived notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Preconceived notion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an opinion or belief formed before having adequate evidence or experience. Example: "Many people have a preconceived notion that success comes only from hard work, ignoring the role of opportunity and privilege."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First, leaders' preconceived notion that they need to appear strong at all times can be an obstacle to showing vulnerability.

Forbes

Which preconceived notion (graffiti) of our generation you want our children to be oblivious to?

HuffPost

All schools make it difficult to change classes due to a personality conflict or preconceived notion about a teacher.

Los Angeles Times

It is sad how we have to classify ourselves into an already preconceived notion of what normal is.

HuffPost

Did we meet mountain men that fulfilled every preconceived notion a New Yorker might have about them?

Vice

My time with these kids shattered every stereotype and every preconceived notion I ever had about "what Arab kids think".

Huffington Post

Women also face the "preconceived notion" that they are focused on other priorities like starting a family.

Huffington Post

"There was no preconceived notion for it.

The New York Times - Sports

I probably had a preconceived notion, and it probably wasn't right".

The New York Times - Sports

… It's our preconceived notion of what normal is that's the problem".

Independent

He admitted he had a preconceived notion that "church women were goody-two-shoes".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "preconceived notions", be specific about whose notions they are and the context in which they arise. This adds clarity and prevents generalizations.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone shares the same "preconceived notions". Acknowledge diverse viewpoints and recognize that individual experiences shape beliefs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preconceived notion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an opinion or belief formed before having adequate evidence or experience. Ludwig examples show its usage across diverse scenarios, aligning with Ludwig AI analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preconceived notion" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an opinion or belief formed before having sufficient evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts. It functions as a noun phrase, typically used to identify biases influencing judgment. Related phrases include "preconceived idea", "prior assumption", and "prejudgment". Use it thoughtfully in writing, acknowledging diverse viewpoints to avoid overgeneralization. Based on Ludwig examples, the phrase sees frequent use in news, academia, and scientific contexts. The key is to challenge "preconceived notions" by being receptive to new data.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Preconceived idea

Simple synonym, replaces "notion" with "idea".

Preconceived belief

Substitutes "notion" with "belief", emphasizing conviction.

Prior assumption

Replaces "preconceived notion" with "prior assumption", stressing the act of assuming beforehand.

Prejudgment

A more concise term indicating a judgment made in advance.

Preset idea

Emphasizes that the idea is fixed or established in advance.

Established bias

Highlights the inherent bias in the prior belief.

Predetermined opinion

Indicates that the opinion was decided in advance.

Foregone conclusion

Suggests the outcome was decided before consideration.

Fixed mindset

Implies a rigid and unchangeable way of thinking.

Initial hypothesis

Refers to a starting point assumption in research or investigation.

FAQs

How can I challenge a "preconceived notion"?

To challenge a "preconceived notion", seek diverse perspectives, gather evidence, and engage in critical thinking. Be open to changing your mind based on new information.

What's the difference between a "preconceived notion" and a hypothesis?

A "preconceived notion" is a general belief or assumption, while a hypothesis is a specific, testable statement used in scientific inquiry. Hypotheses are formulated before research, but are tested with experiments and are not to be held with the same conviction of a "preconceived notion".

What are some alternatives to "preconceived notion"?

You can use alternatives like "preconceived idea", "prior assumption", or "prejudgment" depending on the context.

How does having a "preconceived notion" affect decision-making?

Having a "preconceived notion" can lead to biased decision-making by selectively interpreting information to confirm existing beliefs, while ignoring contradictory evidence. Overcoming cognitive biases requires self-awareness and critical thinking.