a widely held

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a widely held" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe beliefs, opinions, or views that are commonly accepted or shared by a large number of people. Example: "There is a widely held belief that exercise is essential for maintaining good health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a widely held view.

The Economist

This became a widely held view.

Independent

It's a widely held opinion.

The Washington Post

Hers is not a widely held view.

The New York Times

That is a widely held view in Russia.

The New York Times

It is a widely held misconception that fracking is a new process.

Princeton University

The local election results kill off what had been, until recently, a widely held assumption.

Independent

A widely held view is that trade lowers volatility: exporting to more markets means greater diversification.

The Economist

"Putin prevented the disintegration of Russia," Prokhanov said, echoing a widely held sentiment.

The New Yorker

Federighi's response may help put to rest a widely held misconception.

The Guardian - Tech

What we now call cultural relativism is a widely held tenet.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a widely held", ensure the context clearly indicates who holds the belief or view. Providing specific groups or demographics strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a widely held" belief as universally accepted. Acknowledge potential counterarguments or differing opinions to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a widely held" functions primarily as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun (e.g., belief, view, opinion). It indicates that the following noun is commonly accepted or shared by many people. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a widely held" is a versatile and commonly used adjective phrase that describes beliefs, views, or opinions shared by many. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently encountered in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. When employing this phrase, it's important to consider the specific context, ensuring the belief is accurately represented as prevalent but not necessarily universal. Alternatives such as "a common belief" or "a prevalent view" may offer nuanced variations, but "a widely held" remains a strong and effective way to introduce a commonly accepted idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common belief

Focuses on the belief aspect, suggesting something many people accept as true.

a general consensus

Highlights agreement among a group, implying a shared understanding.

a prevalent view

Emphasizes how widespread the view is, suggesting it's commonly encountered.

a prevailing opinion

Indicates the most popular or dominant opinion at a particular time.

a broadly accepted idea

Stresses acceptance, implying fewer objections or disagreements.

a mainstream perspective

Suggests the view is part of the dominant or conventional way of thinking.

a popularly recognized notion

Focuses on the idea being well-known and acknowledged by many.

a standard understanding

Implies a basic level of agreement or knowledge on a particular topic.

a typical assumption

Highlights that the idea is often taken for granted or presumed to be true.

a conventional wisdom

Points to a long-standing and widely accepted belief, often without critical examination.

FAQs

How can I use "a widely held" in a sentence?

You can use "a widely held" to introduce a belief or opinion that is common among a certain group of people. For example, "It is "a widely held belief" that exercise is beneficial for health.

What are some alternatives to "a widely held"?

Alternatives include "a common belief", "a general consensus", or "a prevalent view". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to describe something as "a widely held" belief?

Not necessarily. While the phrase suggests broad acceptance, it's important to consider whether the belief is truly as widespread as claimed. Research and evidence can help support or refute the assertion.

What's the difference between "a widely held" belief and "conventional wisdom"?

"A widely held" belief simply indicates that many people share the belief. "Conventional wisdom", on the other hand, implies a belief that has been accepted for a long time, often without critical examination.