Widely accepted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Widely accepted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is generally recognized or acknowledged by a large number of people or within a particular field. Example: "The theory of evolution is widely accepted among scientists as the best explanation for the diversity of life on Earth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

(Note: Dollars are widely accepted).

The New York Times - Travel

Bias laws are widely accepted.

The New York Times

This reasoning is widely accepted.

The Economist

United States dollars are widely accepted.

The New York Times - Travel

Homosexuality and transsexuals are widely accepted.

The New York Times

The hypothesis is not widely accepted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Cambodia).

The New York Times - Travel

The first three points are widely accepted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These findings are not widely accepted, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Similarly, privacy is a widely accepted principle.

The Guardian - Opinion

This concept is widely accepted today.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, support claims of something being "widely accepted" with citations or evidence to demonstrate the breadth of acceptance.

Common error

Avoid using "widely accepted" when evidence suggests considerable disagreement or ongoing debate. Overstating acceptance can weaken your argument and mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widely accepted" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun. It describes a state of general agreement or acknowledgment about an idea, theory, or practice. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "widely accepted" functions as an adjective phrase denoting broad agreement or recognition of an idea, theory, or practice. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts. The phrase sees common usage in academic, scientific, and news-related domains, implying a neutral to formal register. While a universally accepted term, using alternatives such as "generally acknowledged" or "commonly recognized" can add nuance. Remember to avoid overstating acceptance when evidence suggests otherwise, and to provide specific context regarding who or what group holds the acceptance to substantiate the claim.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Generally acknowledged

Focuses on the act of acknowledgment rather than the degree of acceptance.

Commonly recognized

Emphasizes the recognition aspect rather than the approval or adoption.

Broadly recognized

Similar to 'commonly recognized' but can also imply a greater scale of awareness.

Universally agreed upon

Suggests a complete consensus, which is stronger than "widely accepted".

Largely approved

Highlights approval, which implies endorsement, unlike simple acceptance.

Extensively adopted

Focuses on practical application and implementation, not just agreement.

Prevailing view

Implies dominance over other perspectives rather than just broad acceptance.

Well-received

Indicates a positive reception, which goes beyond mere acceptance.

Established norm

Emphasizes that the concept is part of the standard or expected behavior.

Routinely practiced

Highlights the habitual or customary nature of the action or idea.

FAQs

How can I use "widely accepted" in a sentence?

Use "widely accepted" to describe ideas, theories, or practices that are generally recognized or acknowledged. For example, "The theory of general relativity is "widely accepted" within the scientific community."

What are some alternatives to "widely accepted"?

You can use alternatives like "generally acknowledged", "commonly recognized", or "universally agreed upon", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "widely accepted" in formal writing?

Yes, "widely accepted" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to indicate that an idea or practice has broad support. However, ensure you can substantiate the claim with evidence or citations.

When should I avoid using "widely accepted"?

Avoid using "widely accepted" if there is significant debate or conflicting evidence regarding the idea or practice. In such cases, it's more accurate to acknowledge the varying perspectives and provide a balanced view.