a common belief

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Apparently, it's a common belief.

Harvard University

Contrary to a common belief, labyrinths are not mazes.

The New York Times

There is a common belief that over-the-counter medicines are inherently safe.

The New York Times

Yet, for some reason, it's a common belief that any coherent piece of writing deserves publication.

The Guardian - Books

There is a common belief among many Japanese that foreigners can never quite understand their country.

The New York Times

Unscientific as the poll was, the sentences that flowed expressed a common belief.

The New York Times

A common belief among doctors, but it seems that the nausea causes the anxiety.

The Guardian

There is a common belief that Americans get fat because they eat too many carbohydrates.

The New York Times

But there's a common belief that entrepreneurs are born, not made.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A common belief about resilience is that it stems from an optimistic nature.

Harvard Business Review

But we share a common belief: the future should be bright; the future should be undivided.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common belief", ensure you're able to substantiate its prevalence or provide context for its existence within a specific community or field.

Common error

Avoid presenting an idea as "a common belief" if it is only held by a small or niche group. Ensure there is evidence or widespread acknowledgement to support the claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common belief" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces or refers to an idea that is widely accepted or held by a significant portion of people. Ludwig examples confirm its role in setting context or presenting assumptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common belief" is a versatile noun phrase used to introduce widely held ideas or assumptions. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse fields, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While the phrase carries a neutral tone, it's important to substantiate the prevalence of the belief and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like ""a widely held belief"" or ""a prevalent view"" can be used for subtle variations in meaning. Using "a common belief" effectively involves ensuring the idea is genuinely widespread and providing relevant context for its existence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a widely held belief

Emphasizes the extent to which the belief is shared.

a prevalent view

Focuses on the popularity and dominance of the viewpoint.

a general assumption

Highlights the presumptive nature of the belief.

a conventional wisdom

Implies the belief is traditional and widely accepted, often without questioning.

a popular notion

Stresses the widespread acceptance of the idea among the public.

an accepted idea

Underscores the agreement and endorsement of the concept.

a shared understanding

Highlights the common ground and mutual comprehension surrounding the belief.

a prevailing thought

Emphasizes the current dominance and influence of the belief.

a mainstream idea

Highlights how the idea is part of the dominant trend.

a collective mindset

Focuses on the shared mental attitude within a group.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common belief" to introduce an idea that is widely accepted, such as "It is a common belief that exercise improves mental health" or "There is a common belief that over-the-counter medicines are inherently safe".

What are some alternatives to "a common belief"?

Alternatives include "a widely held belief", "a prevalent view", or "a general assumption", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to describe something as "a common belief"?

No, using "a common belief" implies widespread acceptance. It's essential to ensure that the idea is genuinely prevalent and not just a personal opinion or a belief held by a small group. Provide context to who consider the belief to be common.

What's the difference between "a common belief" and "a popular opinion"?

"A common belief" suggests a more deeply ingrained and widely accepted idea, whereas "a popular opinion" implies a viewpoint that is currently favored but might be more transient. Beliefs often have a longer history and broader cultural acceptance than opinions.