a common assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a belief or idea that is widely accepted or held by many people. Example: "It is a common assumption that hard work leads to success, but there are many factors that contribute to achieving one's goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Benefits of Being Fit Though Fat A common assumption is that people who are fat cannot possibly be fit.

The New York Times - Health

A year ago, a common assumption was that Enron could become a domino that would knock down much of Houston.

The New York Times

This is a common assumption.

The New York Times

A common assumption was that it wouldn't.

The New York Times - Science

But not exclusively, contrary to a common assumption.

The New York Times - Science

The two inevitably overlap, and they share a common assumption.

The New York Times

A common assumption is that both are sunk.

The Economist

It is a common assumption that all vacancies will be listed on every job site.

The Guardian

A common assumption was an annual operating profit of about $1.5 billion.

The New York Times

It's a common assumption that companies only care about quick gains.

The New Yorker

This is a common assumption of civic crusaders, though one offered without proof.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common assumption", ensure that you either provide evidence to support it or clearly state that it is being challenged or questioned. This adds depth and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a common assumption" as a substitute for well-researched facts or data. Always verify the validity of the assumption, especially in academic or professional contexts, to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common assumption" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a belief or idea that is widely accepted. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and the examples illustrate its role in setting up arguments or discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common assumption" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that serves to introduce a widely held belief or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed across diverse contexts, especially in news, scientific, and formal business writing. While versatile, it's important to substantiate or critically examine any assumption made. To avoid repetitiveness, writers can opt for alternatives such as "a widely held belief" or "a prevailing notion". Always ensure to back up your claims with evidence or acknowledge the contrary argument and remember, always verify your assumptions before presenting them as truth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a frequent assumption

Replaces "common" with "frequent", maintaining a similar meaning but with a slightly different emphasis on how often the assumption is made.

a widely held belief

Replaces "assumption" with "belief" and "common" with "widely held", focusing on the widespread acceptance of an idea.

a general presumption

Substitutes "assumption" with "presumption" and "common" with "general", indicating a belief held before having concrete evidence.

a prevailing notion

Replaces "assumption" with "notion" and "common" with "prevailing", suggesting an idea that is currently popular or dominant.

a shared understanding

Replaces "common assumption" with a phrase that emphasizes the collaborative aspect of understanding, which means that this is a point of view shared by multiple people.

a conventional wisdom

Substitutes "common assumption" with a phrase that refers to beliefs or ideas that are generally accepted as true.

a standard understanding

Replaces "assumption" with "understanding" and "common" with "standard", highlighting a shared comprehension of something.

a typical expectation

Substitutes "assumption" with "expectation" and "common" with "typical", focusing on what is normally anticipated.

a widespread perception

Replaces "assumption" with "perception" and "common" with "widespread", suggesting a belief based on sensory information that is shared by many.

a general consensus

Substitutes "common assumption" with a phrase that indicates a widespread agreement among people on a particular matter.

FAQs

How can I use "a common assumption" in a sentence?

You can use "a common assumption" to introduce a widely held belief before either supporting it with evidence or challenging its validity. For example, "A common assumption is that college is necessary for success, but many entrepreneurs have thrived without a degree."

What are some alternatives to "a common assumption"?

You can use alternatives such as "a widely held belief", "a general presumption", or "a prevailing notion" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to start a sentence with "a common assumption"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "a common assumption" can sometimes sound cliché. Vary your sentence structure by occasionally embedding the phrase within the sentence or rephrasing the idea entirely.

What's the difference between "a common assumption" and "conventional wisdom"?

"A common assumption" refers to a belief that is widely held, while "conventional wisdom" refers to beliefs or ideas that are generally accepted as true by society. Conventional wisdom often implies a historical or cultural context.