a false notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a false notion" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means an incorrect belief or idea. Example: It is a common misconception that all snakes are poisonous, but that is a false notion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

I had a false notion that everyone would want me.

The New York Times

It's a false notion that my views are related to that.

The New York Times - Magazine

Kindness feels good, even when it's based on a false notion of your identity and purpose.

The New Yorker

"There is a false notion that age correlates with experience," Mr. Gill said.

The New York Times

This finding indicates that the debriefing industry is predicated on a false notion: that we are all at high risk for P.T.S.D. after exposure to a traumatic event.

The New Yorker

Even Dick Cheney emerged from his bunker this month to gratuitously dismiss Mr. McCain's gas-tax holiday proposal as "a false notion" before the National Press Club.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"There's this notion out there -- and it's a categorically false notion -- that the only business model in the service industry is the minimum-wage business model.

Huffington Post

This article originally appeared on VICE US.

Vice

That nostalgia is based on an entirely false notion of what the nursery is," says Graham.

The Guardian

The idea that tackling climate change is against economic growth is an utterly false notion created and promulgated by the fossil fuel industry.

Huffington Post

As a candidate, he regularly called global warming a hoax, repeated the false notion that vaccines can cause autism, and stated confidently that spraying hair spray in one's apartment does not harm the ozone layer (it does, a little).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing "a false notion", clearly articulate the factual information that contradicts it to effectively dispel the misconception.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a false notion" as merely an opinion. Clearly distinguish it from verified facts or widely accepted evidence to prevent unintentional endorsement of misinformation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a false notion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its role in identifying and dismissing incorrect beliefs or ideas, as evidenced by the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Huffington Post

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

The Guardian

2%

The New Yorker

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a false notion" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an incorrect belief or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. Its usage spans various contexts, especially in news and media. While direct and suitable for general audiences, clear articulation of contradicting facts is advised when employing this phrase. Consider alternatives such as ""a mistaken belief"" or ""an incorrect assumption"" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mistaken belief

Replaces 'notion' with 'belief' and 'false' with 'mistaken', emphasizing the incorrect nature of the belief.

an incorrect assumption

Substitutes 'notion' with 'assumption', focusing on something taken for granted that is wrong, and uses 'incorrect' instead of 'false'.

a flawed understanding

Replaces 'false notion' with a description of the state of understanding, highlighting the defect in comprehension.

a deceptive idea

Focuses on the misleading aspect of the idea, using 'deceptive' to convey the falseness.

an unfounded opinion

Emphasizes the lack of a solid basis for the opinion, suggesting it's not properly supported.

a baseless assumption

Highlights the absence of a foundation or evidence for the assumption.

a misguided belief

Focuses on the belief being wrongly directed or based on faulty judgment.

an erroneous perception

Replaces 'notion' with 'perception', indicating a faulty interpretation of sensory information or understanding.

a fallacious concept

Uses 'fallacious' to underscore the logical error in the concept.

a specious argument

Indicates that the argument appears correct but is actually false, emphasizing its deceptive nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "a false notion" to describe a belief or idea that is incorrect or untrue. For example, "The idea that hard work guarantees success is "a false notion", as luck and opportunity also play significant roles."

What are some alternatives to saying "a false notion"?

Some alternatives to "a false notion" include "a mistaken belief", "an incorrect assumption", or "a flawed understanding". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say 'a false notion'?

While 'notion' often implies an idea that may not be entirely substantiated, using 'false' emphasizes that the idea is definitively incorrect, adding clarity. Therefore it is not always redundant.

What's the difference between "a false notion" and "a misconception"?

"A misconception" generally refers to a widely held but untrue belief, whereas "a false notion" can apply to a more individual or specific incorrect idea. While similar, "a misconception" often implies a broader scope of misunderstanding.