a heresy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a heresy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing beliefs or opinions that deviate from established doctrines, particularly in religious or philosophical contexts. Example: "The idea that the earth is flat was once considered a heresy by the scientific community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A heresy!

The New York Times - Magazine

It was a heresy waiting to happen.

The New Yorker

By saying this, I'm committing a heresy.

The Guardian

The theory was formally declared a heresy.

The Guardian

But shortly afterwards came something of a heresy.

The Guardian

But Mussolini was creating a heresy of his own.

The Guardian - Books

Sadly for Taiwan and the region's stability, such creative thinking is still a heresy in China.

The Economist

From that point on, semi-Pelagianism was recognized as a heresy in the Roman Catholic church.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Occasionally, just occasionally, a leading mover and shaker in the arts utters a heresy.

Independent

That idea is a heresy in our quantitative age — but it may still be true.

The New York Times

Some Saudi scholars brand Shi'ism as a heresy "worse than Christianity or Judaism".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a heresy" when you want to emphasize a strong deviation from established or orthodox beliefs, particularly in contexts where those beliefs are considered important or sacred.

Common error

Avoid using "a heresy" loosely for any disagreement. It is more accurately applied to beliefs that fundamentally challenge core tenets within a defined system of thought, like religious or political doctrines.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "a heresy" is to act as a noun phrase, serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies a specific instance of a belief or opinion that contradicts established doctrines. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase functions as a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a heresy" is a noun phrase used to describe a belief or opinion that strongly contradicts established doctrines. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While often associated with religious contexts, it can be applied metaphorically in other domains such as science, politics, or business. It is important to use the phrase accurately, reserving it for beliefs that genuinely challenge core tenets within a defined system of thought. Alternatives include "an unorthodox belief" or "a dissenting opinion", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a heterodox position

Similar to "a heresy", but may apply outside of strictly religious contexts to any set of beliefs.

an unorthodox belief

Emphasizes the non-conformity of the belief without necessarily implying strong condemnation.

a deviation from doctrine

Specifically refers to departing from established religious or philosophical teachings.

a schismatic belief

Indicates a belief that causes division or separation within a group or organization.

a dissenting opinion

Highlights the act of disagreeing with a prevailing viewpoint, often in a formal setting.

an apostate idea

Suggests a complete abandonment of previously held beliefs or principles.

a controversial idea

Focuses on the potential for widespread disagreement or debate surrounding the idea.

a blasphemous statement

Specifically refers to speech that is considered irreverent or offensive towards religious figures or beliefs.

a radical notion

Implies the idea is a significant departure from established norms and may be considered extreme.

a nonconformist view

Highlights a perspective that does not align with conventional thought.

FAQs

How can I use "a heresy" in a sentence?

You can use "a heresy" to describe a belief or opinion that is strongly contrary to established doctrines, as in, "The idea that the earth is flat was once considered "a heresy" by the scientific community".

What are some alternatives to "a heresy"?

Alternatives to "a heresy" include phrases like "an unorthodox belief", "a deviation from doctrine", or "a dissenting opinion", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a heresy" in a non-religious context?

While often associated with religion, "a heresy" can be used metaphorically in other contexts to describe a belief that strongly contradicts established norms or principles, such as in science or politics. For example, questioning the efficiency of certain well established business practices might be considered "a heresy" in some corporate cultures.

What's the difference between "a heresy" and "an unorthodox belief"?

"A heresy" implies a more serious and potentially damaging deviation from established doctrine, often within a religious or deeply held belief system. "An unorthodox belief" simply suggests something unconventional or non-traditional, without the same negative connotation.