a conventional understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

"a conventional understanding" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to a shared or traditional way of thinking about something, often accepted by a majority of people. Here are a few examples of how it could be used in a sentence: - "According to conventional understanding, hard work leads to success." - "The book challenged the conventional understanding of beauty and encouraged readers to embrace their unique features." - "There is a gap between traditional and modern medicine, with the former still relying on conventional understandings of health and illness." - "Her unconventional approach to teaching went against the conventional understanding of education, but proved to be highly effective." - "The experiment tested the limits of conventional understanding in the field of quantum physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

They challenge a conventional understanding of reality".

The New Yorker

He has blocked every way towards a conventional understanding, so that we are left only one exit: What if we go against the precepts of Plato, of Aristotle, of Horace and Sir Philip Sydney?

The Guardian

The Supreme Court's 2008 ruling that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to own guns, as opposed to one tied to militias, is another example of a transformation of a conventional understanding, Professor Levinson said, this one based on a view of the Constitution pressed by the National Rifle Association and its politically engaged supporters.

The New York Times

(1) R&D, S&T, and innovation11: in a conventional understanding, R&D is less aggregative than S&T.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

While the first represents a conventional understanding of the problem presented for solution, the paper speculates that this is not the problem that the designer seeks to solve.

Design Studies

Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, begins with a conventional understanding of the Joker's criminal mind.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I don't think any conventional understanding of gender can bring justice to the complexity of my identity or the space I deserve to take up," they said.

Vice

On a more conventional understanding of species, one can talk of various scientific laws that apply to them, such as the law that species that break apart frequently into geographically isolated groups are more likely to speciate, or evolve into new species.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I was doing a series for the Boston Globe on abuses of psychiatric patients in research settings and I had a completely conventional understanding of psychiatry.

Vice

Robert Whitaker began researching for a series on abuses of psychiatric patients for the Boston Globe with a self-professed conventional understanding of psychiatry.

Vice

He wanted his music to tap into a region beyond conventional understanding – "I wanted to produce music that was the sound of God.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a conventional understanding" when you want to refer to a widely accepted or traditional viewpoint on a topic. It suggests that there is a common or established way of thinking about something.

Common error

Avoid using "a conventional understanding" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Consider using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences to maintain variety and reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a conventional understanding" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a generally accepted or traditional viewpoint on a particular topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a conventional understanding" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that denotes a widely accepted belief or interpretation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and common usage. It appears frequently in news, science, and encyclopedic sources, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, be mindful of over-reliance and consider diversifying your language with synonyms like "a traditional interpretation" or "a common perception" to maintain writing variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a traditional interpretation

Focuses on the interpretation being rooted in tradition rather than just being generally accepted.

a common perception

Highlights the aspect of widespread belief or viewpoint.

an accepted notion

Emphasizes the idea's acceptance or approval within a group.

a prevailing wisdom

Indicates a widely held belief considered to be wise or prudent.

a standard interpretation

Highlights the interpretation being the standard, accepted way to see something.

a mainstream belief

Focuses on the belief being part of the dominant or most popular trend.

a general consensus

Emphasizes agreement among a group of people.

a typical viewpoint

Highlights the viewpoint being typical or representative.

a popular idea

Stresses the idea's widespread popularity.

an orthodox belief

Emphasizes adherence to established or traditional doctrines.

FAQs

How can I use "a conventional understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "a conventional understanding" to describe a widely accepted idea or belief, as in "The new study challenges "a conventional understanding" of the disease."

What are some alternatives to "a conventional understanding"?

Some alternatives include "a traditional interpretation", "a common perception", or "an accepted notion", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to rely on "a conventional understanding"?

While "a conventional understanding" can be a useful starting point, it's important to critically evaluate it and consider alternative perspectives, especially in fields where knowledge is constantly evolving.

What's the difference between "a conventional understanding" and "a scientific understanding"?

"A conventional understanding" refers to a generally accepted belief, while "a scientific understanding" is based on empirical evidence and rigorous testing. They are not necessarily the same.