a common doctrine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common doctrine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a widely accepted belief or principle within a particular field or among a group of people. Example: "In many religious traditions, a common doctrine emphasizes the importance of compassion and kindness towards others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Welby is proposing that, in the face of intractable differences, the communion reshapes itself as a loose confederation of churches rather than adherents to a common doctrine.

The Guardian

MacArthur directed that the two navies would use a common doctrine, FTP 167.

Wikipedia

Military strategy was revitalised by a new Imperial General Staff, which would ensure a common doctrine and common strategic aims among the various military forces of the British Empire, including the Dominions as well as British India.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Although he initially presents the doctrine in a way that makes it seem like this is a point of common doctrine between him and the Cartesians, it emerges later in the correspondence that Leibniz only affirms the doctrine in a qualified sense (for a detailed discussion of this issue see Whipple 2011).

SEP

The court went further to argue that the public trust doctrine "is not simply a common law doctrine" but is incorporated into the Texas Constitution, which (1) protects "the conservation and development of all the resources of the State," (2) declares conservation of those resources "public rights and duties," and (3) directs the Legislature to pass appropriate laws to protect these resources.

Huffington Post

In order to support this claim, he rejected the common doctrine that for a term to be univocal it had to be a strictly categorial term, picking out some natural kind or other.

SEP

A compromise to the break-up of the communion has been mooted, which could see the common doctrine of Anglicanism replaced by a looser confederation of national churches linked to the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Independent

Others confess through their mass rapes, choreographed murders and rational self-justifications a primary fealty to nihilism: that characteristically modern-day and insidiously common doctrine that makes it impossible for modern-day Raskolnikovs to deny themselves anything, and possible to justify anything.

The Guardian - Books

It is common doctrine among medieval Latin logicians that logic is a linguistic science.

SEP

Use fictionalism is arguably by far the more common doctrine.

SEP

This is common doctrine; what varies is how these modes are characterised.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common doctrine", ensure the context clearly establishes who shares the doctrine and what field or area it applies to. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a common doctrine" is universally known or accepted. Always provide sufficient context to ensure your audience understands the specific doctrine you are referencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common doctrine" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, referring to a shared or widely accepted principle or belief. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common doctrine" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to a widely accepted belief or principle. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it's essential to provide context and avoid overgeneralization to ensure clarity. It is found in diverse sources, including news, academic texts, and general knowledge repositories. Alternatives such as ""a shared tenet"" or ""a prevailing belief"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared tenet

Replaces "doctrine" with "tenet", implying a fundamental principle held in common.

a prevailing belief

Substitutes "doctrine" with "belief", focusing on the widespread acceptance of the idea.

a widespread conviction

Emphasizes the strength and breadth of agreement, using "conviction" instead of "doctrine".

a general principle

Replaces "doctrine" with "principle", highlighting the foundational nature of the shared idea.

an accepted norm

Focuses on the idea being a standard or typical practice, using "norm" instead of "doctrine".

a mutual understanding

Highlights shared comprehension, substituting "doctrine" with "understanding".

a collective agreement

Emphasizes the act of agreeing, using "agreement" instead of "doctrine".

a standard dogma

Maintains a similar level of formality while substituting "common" with "standard".

a typical teaching

Replaces the more formal "doctrine" with the more accessible "teaching".

a recognized precept

Substitutes "doctrine" with "precept", highlighting the rule-like nature of the belief.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common doctrine" to refer to a widely accepted belief or principle. For example, "A common doctrine in medicine is the importance of preventative care".

What are some alternatives to saying "a common doctrine"?

Alternatives include "a shared tenet", "a prevailing belief", or "a general principle", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "common doctrine" or "a common doctrine"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a common doctrine" is used when referring to a specific doctrine. "Common doctrine" without the article can be used in a more general sense.

What's the difference between "a common doctrine" and "a widespread belief"?

"A common doctrine" often implies a more formal or established principle, while "a widespread belief" suggests broader acceptance without necessarily being formalized.