a common idea of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common idea of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a widely held belief or concept shared among a group of people. Example: "There is a common idea of success that often equates wealth with happiness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

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

For example, a common idea of penguins is of short, black and white flightless waterfowl.

SEP

Organic-functionalized molecular sieves (OFMSs), particularly "amine-immobilized porous silicates", are designed based on a common idea of immobilizing active catalytic sites on silicate surface.

Journal of Molecular Catalysis A: Chemical

"Germans have lost a common idea of the future, " he writes from Munich.

Huffington Post

The other reason is this: Germans have lost a common idea of the future.

Huffington Post

But meanwhile, you have overlooked the biggest disaster: That we don't share a common idea of the future.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

This research evaluates energy consumption characteristics of HVAC&R systems, with the aim of establishing a common idea for the analysis of building energy efficiency.

Energy and Buildings

A common idea for a non-genetic cause of fractional kill is that rapidly dividing cancer cells exhibit different drug sensitivity in different cell cycle phases.

Cell Death and Disease

The two parts are unified by a common idea, that of redemption through the power of love, a unity conveyed through shared musical themes.

Wikipedia

These cooperative experiments share a common idea, but each of them chooses its own form.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

These institutions and others have different aims, but they abide by a common idea: if the center of Judaism is the law, and the heart of Christianity is love, what Islam requires, above all else, is mercy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common idea of", ensure the context clearly indicates the group or community that shares this idea. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a common idea of" something represents a universal truth. Always acknowledge that perspectives may vary, and the idea might not be shared by everyone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common idea of" functions as a noun phrase modifier. It introduces a widely held belief or concept, specifying the nature of an idea that is prevalent within a certain group.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

42%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common idea of" is a useful phrase for introducing concepts or beliefs that are widely accepted within a specific group. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Science. The frequency of use is classified as "common". It's important to use this phrase with caution, ensuring that the implied shared understanding is valid and not an overgeneralization. Related phrases, such as "a shared understanding of", offer alternative ways to express similar concepts. Remember to specify the group holding the idea to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared understanding of

Focuses on the mutual comprehension and agreement among individuals regarding a specific concept.

a widespread belief about

Highlights the prevalence of a particular conviction or notion within a group or society.

a general perception of

Emphasizes the overall impression or view that people hold regarding something.

a conventional view of

Points to the traditional or established way of thinking about a subject.

a prevailing notion of

Indicates that a certain idea is currently dominant or widely accepted.

a collective sense of

Stresses the shared feeling or awareness that a group possesses.

a public consensus on

Refers to the general agreement or accord among the public about a specific issue.

a typical assumption about

Highlights the standard or expected presumption that people make.

a standard conception of

Indicates a widely accepted or established interpretation of something.

a familiar understanding of

Focuses on the commonplace or well-known knowledge of a subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common idea of" to introduce a belief or concept that is generally accepted or understood within a specific group. For example, "There is "a common idea" of success as achieving financial stability".

What are some alternatives to "a common idea of"?

Alternatives include "a shared understanding of", "a widespread belief about", or "a general perception of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to assume something is "a common idea of" a group?

No, it's crucial to avoid overgeneralization. While something might be widely held, it's not necessarily universally accepted. Acknowledge the potential for varying perspectives within the group.

What's the difference between "a common idea of" and "a personal opinion about"?

"A common idea of" refers to a concept or belief that is broadly shared within a group, whereas "a personal opinion about" is an individual's subjective viewpoint. The former reflects a collective understanding, while the latter reflects individual perspective.