a widespread belief

USAGE SUMMARY

"a widespread belief" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about an idea or opinion that many people consider to be true. For example: "Climate change is a widespread belief among scientists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Finally, there is a widespread belief that Lyme disease is extremely rare.

The Guardian - Opinion

The debate two years ago reflected a widespread belief that the health care system needed reform.

Princeton University

There is a widespread belief that the Premier League favours big clubs.

Independent

There is a widespread belief in alternative medicine, including reliance upon traditional healers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There was, at the time, a widespread belief that mass literacy would foster civic virtue.

The Economist

One consequence is a widespread belief that no one should have to pay for water.

The Economist

And there was (and is) a widespread belief that politicians tell lies.

Independent

Still, there is a widespread belief that the advance has further to go.

The New York Times

And it is a widespread belief that experienced professionals are a lot better than neophytes.

The Economist

There is also a widespread belief that Tony Blair, at best, exaggerated the case for war.

The Economist

There is a widespread belief in Pakistan that he was behind the massacres in Gujarat".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a widespread belief" when you want to indicate that an idea or opinion is commonly held by a significant portion of a population or group. This implies broad acceptance but doesn't necessarily guarantee the belief is accurate or well-founded.

Common error

Avoid treating "a widespread belief" as synonymous with factual accuracy. Just because many people believe something doesn't make it inherently true. Always verify information, even if it's a common assumption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a widespread belief" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a concept or idea that is commonly accepted, according to Ludwig AI, but doesn't necessarily guarantee its truth.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a widespread belief" is a frequently used phrase to denote an idea or opinion that is commonly held by a significant number of people. As Ludwig AI explains, while grammatically correct, the prevalence of a belief does not guarantee its truth. It is important to critically evaluate information, even if it's widely accepted. The phrase is commonly found in news, encyclopedias and science sources, indicating a formal to neutral register. Related phrases include ""a common perception"", ""a prevalent notion"", and ""a widely held view"", offering slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a widely held view

Similar to the original phrase, but emphasizes the act of viewing or considering something in a particular way.

a common perception

Focuses on the perceived nature of the belief, highlighting how it is understood by many.

a prevalent notion

Emphasizes the current acceptance and popularity of the idea.

a popular opinion

Focuses on the popularity of the belief, suggesting it is favored by many people.

a general consensus

Highlights agreement among a group of people, suggesting a more formal or deliberate alignment of views.

a conventional wisdom

Refers to a belief that has been accepted for a long time, often without critical examination.

a prevailing attitude

Highlights the attitudinal aspect, suggesting a common way of thinking or feeling about something.

a shared understanding

Emphasizes the common comprehension and agreement on a particular matter.

a public assumption

Focuses on the assumed nature of the belief, implying it is taken for granted by the public.

a dominant narrative

Highlights the storytelling aspect, suggesting the belief is a widely accepted explanation or account of events.

FAQs

How can I use "a widespread belief" in a sentence?

You can use "a widespread belief" to introduce a concept or idea that is generally accepted by many people. For example, "There is "a widespread belief" that exercise is beneficial for overall health".

What are some alternatives to "a widespread belief"?

Alternatives to "a widespread belief" include "a common perception", "a prevalent notion", or "a widely held view". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to assume something is true just because it's "a widespread belief"?

No, it's not always accurate. Just because something is "a widespread belief" doesn't mean it's factually correct. It's important to critically evaluate information, regardless of how many people believe it.

What's the difference between "a widespread belief" and "a proven fact"?

"A widespread belief" is an idea or opinion that many people hold, while "a proven fact" is something that has been verified through evidence and rigorous testing. A belief may or may not be true, while a fact is established as true.