a misconception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a misconception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a commonly held but false belief or idea. Example: "Many people have a misconception that all snakes are dangerous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is a misconception.

The New York Times - Arts

That was a misconception.

The Economist

But this is a misconception.

The New York Times - Magazine

No, that's a misconception.

The Guardian

It's a misconception".

The New York Times

It's repeating a misconception.

The Guardian

There is a misconception generally about sources.

The New Yorker

This is also a misconception.

University of California, Berkeley

"There might be a misconception of intellect".

The New York Times

Name a misconception about leadership.

The Guardian

But it is a misconception.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When correcting a "misconception", provide factual evidence or a logical explanation to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something is "a misconception" without explaining why. Always provide context and clarification to ensure your audience understands the correct information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a misconception" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a false or inaccurate belief. Ludwig examples show it being used to introduce a correction or clarification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

23%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a misconception" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that functions to identify and often correct inaccurate beliefs. Ludwig's examples reveal its common use in various contexts, including news, academia, and science. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. To effectively use "a misconception", it's best to provide context and evidence to support the correction of the inaccurate belief. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is frequently used and understood across diverse domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a misunderstanding

Focuses on a failure to understand something correctly.

a false impression

Highlights that the belief is not just wrong, but gives an inaccurate idea.

a mistaken belief

Emphasizes the incorrect nature of the belief.

an incorrect assumption

Points out that the error stems from an unverified premise.

an inaccurate perception

Focuses on a flawed understanding gained through the senses or intellect.

a flawed understanding

Highlights that the knowledge base is incomplete or erroneous.

a fallacious notion

Emphasizes the deceptive nature of the idea.

an erroneous idea

Highlights the incorrect nature of the idea itself.

a specious argument

Focuses on the deceptive validity of the argument.

a deceptive belief

Highlights that the belief is intended or likely to mislead.

FAQs

What's the difference between "a misconception" and "a misunderstanding"?

"A misconception" typically refers to a widely held, but incorrect belief or idea. A "misunderstanding", on the other hand, is a failure to understand something correctly, which may not be widely held.

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

You can use "a misconception" to introduce and then correct a false belief. For example, "There's "a misconception" that all fats are bad for you, but healthy fats are essential for bodily functions".

What can I say instead of "a misconception"?

You can use alternatives like "a false belief", "a mistaken idea", or "an incorrect assumption", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to correct "a misconception" when you encounter it?

While correcting "a misconception" can be helpful, consider your audience and the potential impact of your correction. Sometimes, gently guiding someone toward the correct understanding is more effective than directly pointing out their error.