a pervasive assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pervasive assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a widely held belief or idea that is commonly accepted without question. Example: "In many cultures, there is a pervasive assumption that success is solely defined by wealth and status."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A pervasive assumption is that nation-states have bounded legal regimes.

Yale University

The best way to fight a pervasive assumption is to pretend it doesn't exist.

The New York Times - Arts

But the tribute implied a pervasive assumption that he would soon retire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The findings run counter to what Dr. Kaminski said was a "pervasive assumption" among math educators that concrete examples help more children better understand math.

The New York Times - Science

Ministers are warming to the idea, but slowly.Closer than you thinkThere is a pervasive assumption, even in the Labour Party, that the mayoral race is a foregone conclusion.

The Economist

Residents in neighboring states across the region suffer similar dental problems for many of the same reasons — inadequate access to dental care or the inability to pay for a dentist, widespread use of chewing tobacco and a pervasive assumption that losing teeth is simply part of growing old.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But at the core of the assumption that non-monogamous women are doing what men want – not what they want – is a more pervasive assumption about female sexuality: it is men who have complex sexual needs, not women.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is a rather pervasive assumption, prompted in part by the interpretation of the way fleas jump [ 21- 23], that resilin alone is sufficient to meet the large power demands of actions such as jumping.

BMC Biology

The diverse views rejected by A Philosophical Enquiry were united by the pervasive assumption that human nature in an unschooled condition, as it came from the hand of nature, and understood without direct reference to God, was in some sense adequate to the human condition.

SEP

The pervasive assumption is that there will be a war and that it will be short.

Forbes

In a recent blog post for Harvard Business Review, McGrath questions the pervasive assumption that "regular" employment is always the most stable and desirable.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a pervasive assumption", ensure you clearly identify whose assumption it is and provide evidence or reasoning to support or challenge it.

Common error

Avoid assuming that just because an idea is common in one context, it is universally "pervasive". Qualify the statement to reflect the actual scope of the assumption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pervasive assumption" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a belief or idea that is widely accepted within a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pervasive assumption" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a widely held belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's effective in written English. Usage analysis reveals it's most commonly found in news, science, and academic contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: specify the source of the assumption and support your claims with evidence. Related phrases include "a widespread belief" and "a common presumption", offering subtle variations in meaning. Remember that just because an idea is common, does not mean that it is correct. Be mindful of overgeneralization and use caution when attributing pervasiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a widespread belief

Emphasizes the extent to which the belief is shared.

a common presumption

Highlights that the idea is taken for granted.

a prevailing notion

Suggests the idea is currently dominant or influential.

an ingrained idea

Indicates the idea is deeply rooted and difficult to change.

a general understanding

Focuses on the shared comprehension of a concept.

a conventional wisdom

Refers to accepted beliefs that may or may not be accurate.

a typical expectation

Highlights what is commonly anticipated or predicted.

a standard assumption

Implies the belief is part of an established norm.

a dominant paradigm

Emphasizes the idea as a framework for understanding.

a tacit understanding

Implies the belief is understood without being explicitly stated.

FAQs

How can I use "a pervasive assumption" in a sentence?

You can use "a pervasive assumption" to introduce a belief that is widely held, often without being questioned. For example: "There is "a pervasive assumption" that younger workers are more tech-savvy than older ones."

What are some alternatives to "a pervasive assumption"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a widespread belief", "a common presumption", or "a prevailing notion". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always accurate to describe an idea as "a pervasive assumption"?

Not necessarily. While something may seem widely accepted, it's important to consider whether this perception is accurate and justified. A belief might be "a widespread belief" within a specific group but not universally held.

What's the difference between "a pervasive assumption" and "a common misconception"?

"A pervasive assumption" describes a widely held belief, regardless of its accuracy. "A common misconception" specifically refers to a belief that is inaccurate or based on flawed understanding.