Widespread understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Widespread understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a concept or idea is commonly recognized or comprehended by a large number of people. Example: "The widespread understanding of climate change has led to increased advocacy for environmental policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The trouble with this widespread understanding of Mr. McCain's politics is that it is entirely wrong.

The New York Times

But widespread understanding is the opposite of what slang is about.

The New York Times

The lack of trust derives from the widespread understanding that Japan's work force is already shrinking.

The New York Times

Today there's widespread understanding of the disorder along with therapies and medications to treat it.

The New York Times

The last Reconciliation Barometer found widespread understanding of the levels of disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal people.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Russia, despite widespread understanding of climate change, less than 50% of people thought it was a risk to them.

The Guardian

"There is widespread understanding that Mr. John Bolton [must] have played a very, very negative role," Moon Chung-in said.

The Washington Post

So far, investors have bought states' bonds eagerly, on the widespread understanding that states and cities almost never default.

The New York Times

There is a widespread understanding that Strachan will depart the international scene if his players do not return from England with victory.

The Guardian - Sport

And despite widespread understanding of the implications of it, of the end of privacy and so on, it seems most people believe it a price worth paying.

The Guardian

As he is aware, that puts him under increased scrutiny given the widespread understanding he will replace Smith in the front line, possibly as soon as next summer.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "widespread understanding" to emphasize that a concept or idea is broadly accepted and recognized, which can strengthen arguments or provide context for discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "widespread understanding" when the concept is only known or accepted within a specific group or context, as it can exaggerate the breadth of the understanding and weaken your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widespread understanding" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It denotes the state of a concept being commonly known or accepted by a large group, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "widespread understanding" is a commonly used phrase to indicate that a concept is generally known and accepted. It functions as a noun phrase, primarily in neutral to professional registers, and is often found in news, scientific, and business contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to establish shared knowledge. Remember to use it accurately, avoiding overstatements about the breadth of understanding. Consider alternatives like "common knowledge" or "general awareness" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common knowledge

This alternative suggests that the information is generally known and accepted by most people.

general awareness

This phrase emphasizes the broad recognition or consciousness of a particular fact or issue.

broad consensus

This alternative highlights a general agreement or shared opinion among a large group of people.

shared belief

This option indicates that a particular idea or concept is commonly believed to be true.

prevailing view

This phrase suggests that a specific perspective or opinion is currently dominant or widely held.

accepted wisdom

This alternative refers to ideas or beliefs that are generally considered to be true or valid.

public perception

This phrase focuses on how something is commonly viewed or understood by the general public.

collective consciousness

This option implies a shared set of beliefs, ideas, and moral attitudes which operate as a unifying force within society.

popular belief

This phrase suggests that an idea is held by many people, regardless of whether it is accurate.

established knowledge

This option highlights that the information is well-founded and generally recognized within a specific field.

FAQs

How can I use "widespread understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "widespread understanding" to indicate a common awareness or knowledge of something. For example, "There is a "widespread understanding" that climate change is a serious issue."

What's a good alternative to "widespread understanding"?

Alternatives to "widespread understanding" include "common knowledge", "general awareness", or "broad consensus". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a widespread understanding" or just "widespread understanding"?

While both can be grammatically correct depending on the context, "widespread understanding" is generally used as a non-count noun. Using the article "a" might imply a specific instance or type of understanding, but it is less common.

How does "widespread understanding" differ from "common misconception"?

"Widespread understanding" implies that an idea is generally accurate and accepted, whereas "common misconception" refers to a belief that is widely held but incorrect. They represent opposite concepts.