a common idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"a common idea" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to an idea or concept that is widely accepted or shared by many people. Example sentence: "Freedom of speech is a common idea in democratic societies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"McDonald's is asking the agencies to work together on a common idea.

The New York Times

There is a common idea of one share, one vote, so that your economic interests are the same as your voting interests".

The Guardian - Sport

Most high-growth companies start with two or three founders who have a common idea and are passionately committed to the mission.

The New York Times

A common idea about the art is that the music transforms banal words and unbelievable situations into sublime emotion: that it's purely about performance.

The New York Times

This is a common idea among journalists and editors - that many readers come into content and hit the article page first rather than entering the front page url into their browser.

The Guardian

"We had to have a common idea, then personalize it through finishes and the transition space at the front door," said William Hallisky, a vice president of Meridian Design Associates.

The New York Times

The Singularity, a point in the near future when technology evolves so fast that it allows life to transcend all physical boundaries, is now a common idea in SF, explored by writers from Damien Broderick to Charlie Stross.

The Guardian - Books

A common idea in landscaping design is to include an object in the distance as a 'vista closer', which helps the eye concentrate on the scene immediately before it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Among the dozens of Web sites that plan to offer coverage beyond traditional news, a common idea is to use the Internet to augment the programs offered by the parties.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Infantilism is a common theme, the idea being that staff might rediscover the imaginative playfulness they last exhibited aged about three.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A common theme this year was the idea of using tech to inspire empathy, she noted.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common idea", ensure the context clearly indicates which group or community shares this idea. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a common idea" is universally accepted. Always provide context to specify whose idea it is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common idea" functions as a noun phrase, where "common" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "idea". It generally introduces a concept or belief that is widely shared or accepted. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common idea" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that introduces concepts accepted or shared by a group. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to establish shared understanding across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific discourse. To ensure effective communication, specify the group holding the idea and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "a shared understanding" or "a widespread belief" offer nuanced expressions, depending on the specific context you wish to convey. The phrase's versatility makes it a valuable tool for writers aiming to connect with their audience through shared knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared understanding

Focuses on the mutual comprehension aspect, implying a deeper level of agreement.

a prevalent notion

Emphasizes the widespread acceptance of the idea, suggesting it's currently in vogue.

a widespread belief

Highlights the aspect of faith or conviction that the idea holds.

a general consensus

Indicates agreement arrived at through discussion and deliberation.

a conventional wisdom

Suggests the idea is a long-standing, traditionally accepted view.

a familiar concept

Emphasizes the recognizability and ease of understanding of the idea.

a typical viewpoint

Highlights the idea as a representative perspective within a group.

a standard perception

Focuses on how the idea is commonly viewed or interpreted.

a recurring theme

Suggests the idea appears repeatedly in different contexts.

a mutual thought

Highlights that the idea is considered and developed jointly.

FAQs

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

Use "a common idea" to introduce a concept that is widely accepted or shared within a specific group. For example, "A common idea in landscaping design is to include an object in the distance as a 'vista closer'.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a common idea"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a shared understanding", "a widespread belief", or "a general consensus".

Is there a difference between "a common idea" and "a popular idea"?

"A common idea" suggests widespread acceptance, while "a popular idea" implies it is currently well-liked or trendy. The nuance lies in the duration and depth of acceptance.

When is it appropriate to use "a common idea" in academic writing?

In academic writing, use "a common idea" when referencing theories, beliefs, or concepts that are generally accepted within the field. Ensure you support the statement with evidence or references.