a common perception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common perception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing widely held beliefs or views that are generally accepted by a group or society. Example: "There is a common perception that exercise is essential for maintaining good health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a common perception.

The Guardian - Sport

A common perception of Weimar is one of a heady, dizzy, jazz-drunk, sexually versatile time.

The New York Times - Books

"This is a common perception yet is cricket really a pan-Indian phenomenon?

The Guardian

There is a common perception that somehow the millennial generation just loves part-time, gig employment.

Harvard Business Review

This is still a common perception, based on a number of obvious successes.

Harvard Business Review

There was a common perception among claimants that the system was inflexible and challenging to navigate.

The Guardian

It's a common perception that Switzerland's vaunted independence was ordained by its geography.

The New York Times - Travel

A common perception of people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia is that they have limited ability to communicate.

The New York Times - Health

"There's a common perception that in the age of the iPod people click between things more than they ever did.

The Guardian - Music

This seems an appropriate place to address a common perception: that English people are wittier and quicker than Americans.

The New Yorker

Khan further argued that there is a common perception that Bhutto decided to run for office under U.S. pressure.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a common perception" to introduce an idea that is generally accepted but might be challenged or nuanced later in your writing. This sets the stage for a balanced discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "a common perception" as a substitute for evidence or critical analysis. Always back up claims about widespread beliefs with supporting data or examples to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common perception" functions as a noun phrase that often serves as a subject or object in a sentence. It introduces a belief, idea, or understanding that is widely held. Ludwig AI examples show it setting up arguments or discussions, as in, "There is a common perception that..."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a common perception" is a versatile tool for introducing widely held beliefs or understandings in writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academia, and science. However, it's crucial to remember that a common perception isn't necessarily a fact and should be supported by evidence or critical analysis. Alternatives such as "a widespread belief" or "a general consensus" can offer nuanced shades of meaning depending on the specific context. Use it wisely, and always back it up with evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a widespread belief

Emphasizes the extent to which the belief is held, focusing on its prevalence.

a general consensus

Highlights agreement among a group, suggesting a shared understanding.

a prevailing view

Suggests that the view is currently dominant or most accepted.

a popular notion

Focuses on the widespread acceptance of the idea, often in a less formal context.

a conventional wisdom

Refers to a commonly held belief that may or may not be accurate or critically examined.

an accepted understanding

Highlights the level of agreement and acceptance surrounding the idea.

a shared understanding

Emphasizes the collective nature of the understanding.

a typical assumption

Focuses on the presumptive nature of the belief, suggesting it might not be based on solid evidence.

the common wisdom

Slightly more formal, implies a long-standing and widely accepted belief.

a public perception

Focuses on how something is viewed by the general public.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common perception" to introduce a widely held belief or understanding. For example, "A common perception is that all politicians are corrupt."

What are some alternatives to "a common perception"?

Alternatives include "a widespread belief", "a general consensus", or "a prevailing view" depending on the specific context.

Is it always accurate to rely on "a common perception"?

No, "a common perception" may not always be accurate. It's important to critically evaluate whether the perception is supported by evidence.

What is the difference between "a common perception" and "a fact"?

"A common perception" is a belief or understanding that is widely held, while "a fact" is a statement that can be proven true. A perception may not always be factual.