a popular notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a popular notion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a widely held belief or idea among a group of people. Example: "Many people believe in the notion that hard work leads to success, but this is not always the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

That's never a popular notion, but oil-induced recessions aren't much fun either.

The Economist

That the US should be thinking about itself on its own terms is a popular notion.

The Guardian

"There's a popular notion that it's a panacea – it's not," she says.

The Guardian

A popular notion in Chitral is to find a replacement "Britisher".

The Guardian

A POPULAR notion in economics today is that an abundance of natural resources is a "curse" for developing nations.

The New York Times

Still, Tito's behavior and writings dispel a popular notion that autistic children do not feel empathy, Ms. Iversen said.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Three and a half years after the 2008 financial crisis, a particularly popular notion is the idea that the pendulum of financial regulation has swung too far, endangering not just the banking sector, but the sluggish economic recovery more generally.

The New York Times

To hark back to Harold Macmillan, there remains a firm popular notion of the family silver: when we feel that frisson as the ferry nears the cliffs, it says something not just emotional, but inescapably political.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This particular exhibit challenges a very popular notion that all of this tourist material is unimportant, trivial, artistically inferior and that anyone who would buy some of this 'stuff' clearly had poor taste," said Joseph Traugott, curator of the show.

The New York Times - Arts

And the idea of washing, storing, and reusing something that soaks up period blood is still not a wildly popular notion.

Vice

I don't look at my wedding pictures and see someone I don't recognize (a very popular notion in the world of anti-wedding-weight-loss stories), but rather just a smaller version of me.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider clarifying which group of people holds the notion. Specifying the group adds context and prevents generalization.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a popular notion" is universally accepted. Clearly indicate the specific group or context in which the notion is prevalent to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a popular notion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a concept or belief that is widely held, often setting the stage for discussion, analysis, or critique, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a popular notion" is a useful phrase for introducing widely held beliefs or ideas, often as a prelude to examining or challenging them. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, though it is most commonly found in news and media and scientific writing. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify the group holding the notion and avoid assuming universality. Alternative phrases like "a common belief" or "a widespread idea" can provide nuance depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common belief

Focuses on the aspect of widespread acceptance as a tenet or conviction.

a widespread idea

Highlights the broad distribution of the concept across a population.

a prevailing thought

Emphasizes the current dominance or influence of a particular viewpoint.

a general understanding

Stresses the shared comprehension or interpretation of a topic.

a conventional wisdom

Refers to beliefs that are widely accepted as truth, often without critical examination.

a mainstream view

Highlights the acceptance of a concept within the dominant section of society.

a current trend of thought

Focuses on the aspect of present-day popularity and direction of thinking.

a widely held assumption

Implies that the idea is taken for granted by many people.

a public perception

Highlights how the idea is viewed by the general populace.

a societal norm

Emphasizes the concept's integration into accepted behaviors and expectations within society.

FAQs

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

You can use "a popular notion" to introduce a belief widely held within a certain group. For example, "There is "a popular notion" that eating carrots improves eyesight, but the evidence is inconclusive".

What phrases are similar to "a popular notion"?

Alternatives include "a common belief", "a widespread idea", or "a prevailing thought", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of widespread acceptance.

Is it correct to use "a popular notion" in formal writing?

Yes, "a popular notion" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and concise way to introduce a widely held belief or idea. Consider the context and audience to ensure it's the most effective choice.

What's the difference between "a popular notion" and "conventional wisdom"?

"Conventional wisdom" refers to beliefs that are widely accepted and rarely questioned, while ""a popular notion"" simply indicates a widespread idea, which may or may not be based on solid evidence or critical thought.