a conventional understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a conventional understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing widely accepted interpretations or perceptions of a particular concept or idea. Example: "In academia, a conventional understanding of democracy often emphasizes the importance of free elections and civil liberties."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

They challenge a conventional understanding of reality".

The New Yorker

"It was such a conventional understanding of excellence when I came through the system". Of course some students do still hear about Phi Beta Kappa.

The New York Times

I locate this argument within a classical English School and a conventional understanding of practice, diplomacy, and agency while incorporating understandings of the diplomat as a stranger.

Stanford University

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

In order to account for the challenges this poses for a conventional understanding of individuality and agency, this project argues for a fundamental reconceptualization of spectatorship and medial interactivity, where interactivity is interpreted as a continuously variable, heterochronic, and synthetic act of individuation and socialization.

Duke University

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

54 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

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a conventional understanding of" when you want to refer to a widely accepted or traditional viewpoint on a subject. It's particularly useful when contrasting it with newer or alternative perspectives.

Common error

While useful, overuse of "a conventional understanding of" can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "traditional view" or "established perspective" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a conventional understanding of" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a widely accepted or traditional interpretation of a concept or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a conventional understanding of" is a useful phrase for referencing established or widely accepted viewpoints. It is grammatically correct and most frequently found in news, academic, and scientific writing, as confirmed by Ludwig. While it's a valid expression, remember to vary your language and consider synonyms like "traditional interpretation" or "established view" to avoid repetition. Be mindful of whether it accurately reflects what you want to say because, depending on the context, "conventional wisdom" or a similar term may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a traditional interpretation of

Replaces "understanding" with "interpretation", emphasizing a specific way of explaining something that has been passed down.

a common perception of

Focuses on how something is generally seen or believed by people.

an established view of

Highlights the long-standing and accepted nature of the viewpoint.

an orthodox conception of

Emphasizes adherence to established or traditional beliefs or practices.

a standard interpretation of

Focuses on the widely accepted or typical explanation.

a generally accepted idea of

Highlights widespread agreement on a particular notion.

a prevailing notion of

Emphasizes the widespread existence and acceptance of a belief.

a typical viewpoint on

Focuses on representing a normal or expected perspective.

an accepted perspective on

Indicates that the viewpoint is generally recognized and agreed upon.

a mainstream concept of

Indicates that the concept is widely recognized and integrated into general knowledge.

FAQs

How to use "a conventional understanding of" in a sentence?

Use "a conventional understanding of" to refer to a widely accepted or standard view on a topic. For example, "A new study challenges "a conventional understanding of" climate change impacts."

What can I say instead of "a conventional understanding of"?

You can use alternatives like "a traditional interpretation of", "a common perception of", or "an established view of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "conventional understanding" or "unconventional understanding"?

"Conventional understanding" refers to a widely accepted belief, while "unconventional understanding" refers to a novel or non-standard belief. The choice depends on whether you are discussing a mainstream or an alternative viewpoint.

When should I use "conventional wisdom" instead of "a conventional understanding of"?

"Conventional wisdom" typically refers to commonly held beliefs that may or may not be accurate or well-supported. "A conventional understanding of" generally refers to an established interpretation within a specific field or context. The choice depends on whether you are discussing general knowledge or a specific interpretation.