a common notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common notion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an idea or belief that is widely accepted or shared among a group of people. Example: "It is a common notion that hard work leads to success, but there are many factors that contribute to achieving one's goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

There's a common notion that there's good and bad integration.

The New Yorker

I found a common notion between Schumacher and Gandhi regarding their perspective on technology.

University of California, Berkeley

THERE is a common notion that Britain is no longer a country of heavy industry.

The Economist

That people won't read story collections is an axiom at publishing houses and a common notion in newspaper idea pieces.

The New York Times - Books

Depression and fatigue are frequent problems of patients undergoing chemotherapy, and a common notion among cancer doctors is that they are linked.

The New York Times

"There is a concern that the sluggish economy might last some time, and that Abe hopes to share a common notion about the potential risks," Sekō said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Our technique relies on having a distributed common notion of time, known to some precision.

University of California, Berkeley

Neuroimaging studies examining comorbid PTSD/TBI are almost nonexistent, perhaps, because of an old but common notion that an amnesic TBI event was "protective" towards developing PTSD [ 16].

BioMed Research International

The age of the Islamic State, in which the tools of terrorism appear increasingly crude and haphazard, has led to a reimagining of the common notion of who is and who is not a terrorist.

The New York Times

Such a finding counters the common notion that warm, dry climates are best for people in pain.

The New York Times

The colours are forceful and there are considerable amounts of gold, something that Larsson intended as a disclaimer of the common notion that pre-history was gray.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a common notion" when you want to refer to a widely accepted idea, belief, or understanding within a specific context. Ensure that the notion you are referring to is genuinely common and not just your personal opinion.

Common error

Avoid using "a common notion" to describe an idea that is only prevalent within a small or specialized group. Always consider whether the notion is truly widespread before using this phrase to prevent misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common notion" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a belief, idea, or understanding widely accepted within a particular context. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common notion" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that serves to introduce a widely held belief or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, including scientific, news, and general discussions. When using this phrase, ensure that the notion you are referencing is indeed widely accepted and not merely a personal opinion. Alternatives such as "a widespread belief" or "a prevailing idea" can be used to add variety to your writing. Remember that while the phrase is common, assuming universal acceptance of an idea can be a pitfall, so always consider the context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a widespread belief

Emphasizes the extensive acceptance of the belief across a large group.

a prevailing idea

Highlights the current dominance and acceptance of the idea.

a general understanding

Focuses on the shared comprehension of a concept among people.

a popular perception

Indicates that the perception is widely favored or held by many.

a conventional wisdom

Refers to a traditional belief that is widely accepted, often without critical examination.

a shared assumption

Stresses that the assumption is jointly held by a group of people.

a received opinion

Indicates that the opinion has been passed down and is generally accepted.

an established view

Highlights that the view has been firmly established and is widely recognized.

a familiar concept

Emphasizes that the concept is well-known and recognized by most people.

a typical thought

Implies that the thought is representative of common thinking patterns.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common notion" to introduce an idea or belief that is widely accepted. For example, "A common notion is that hard work always leads to success, but luck also plays a role."

What are some alternatives to "a common notion"?

You can use alternatives like "a widespread belief", "a prevailing idea", or "a general understanding" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a common notion" or "a widely held belief"?

Both "a common notion" and "a widely held belief" are acceptable, but "a common notion" might imply a slightly more informal or general acceptance compared to the latter, which suggests a more deeply ingrained conviction.

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

"Conventional wisdom" refers to widely accepted beliefs that may not necessarily be true, while "a common notion" simply indicates a widespread understanding without necessarily implying its validity.