a widespread idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a widespread idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a concept or belief that is commonly held or accepted by a large number of people. Example: "The notion that climate change is a pressing issue has become a widespread idea in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

There is a widespread idea that those who live in high crime areas are politically apathetic.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is a widespread idea that such behaviour is commendable when it is nothing of the sort.

The Guardian - Opinion

EARLY in the first e-commerce boom, there was a widespread idea that shoes just didn't fit in.

The New York Times - Tech

There is a widespread idea that lagers in general are dull and simple, an understandable reaction to American mass-market beers.

The New York Times - Food

Julien Blanc, refused entry to Britain on the basis that his seminars promote sexual assault, is just the most prominent exponent of a widespread idea: that women can be made dependent on men by a series of gauche and brutal psychological tricks known as "game".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Currently, there is a widespread idea that polymer flooding is inefficient in improving the microscopic oil displacement (at pore scale).

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But a new study takes a bite out of this widespread idea.

Science Magazine

"Whether it's a genetically programmed instinct or a widespread cultural idea, people throughout the world find deeply disturbing the idea of bodies being treated casually or disrespectfully".

The New York Times

The highly divergent development of nationality law in the Scandinavian region questions the widespread idea that a general convergence towards liberalization of European nationality law is taking place.

Comparative Migration Studies

The results—suggesting the possibility of a direct connection between the mantle and the surface contradicted the widespread idea that magma follows a tortuous path upward, pooling in magma chambers along the way before finally erupting.

Science Magazine

The title "La Edad de Oro" refers, as a program note reveals, to the widespread idea that in flamenco, as in other areas of art and life, there was once a golden age better than today.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a widespread idea", ensure you're able to provide evidence or examples to support the claim that the idea is indeed widely held. Avoid using it as a substitute for actual data or analysis.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a widespread idea" is universally accepted. Even if an idea is common, there may still be significant dissenting opinions or alternative perspectives. Acknowledge potential counterarguments or limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a widespread idea" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its role in introducing concepts or beliefs held by a significant portion of the population. The phrase describes the kind of idea being presented.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

33%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a widespread idea" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a concept or belief that is broadly accepted. As Ludwig examples show, it appears in various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic discussions. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and is used to set the stage for further discussion, either to support or challenge the idea. Though frequently employed, it's crucial to avoid overgeneralization and consider potential dissenting opinions. Alternatives include "a common belief" or "a prevalent notion", each carrying slightly different connotations. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of the phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common belief

Replaces "idea" with "belief", suggesting a stronger conviction.

a prevalent notion

Substitutes "widespread" with "prevalent" and "idea" with "notion", indicating something generally accepted.

a general consensus

Replaces the entire phrase with one emphasizing agreement among people.

a commonly held view

Uses "view" instead of "idea", implying a perspective or opinion.

a popular conception

Changes "widespread" to "popular" and "idea" to "conception", indicating a general understanding, perhaps simplistic.

a dominant perspective

Emphasizes the controlling or prevailing nature of the viewpoint.

a prevailing wisdom

Suggests a generally accepted truth, often with an implication of traditional or established knowledge.

a societal norm

Indicates a standard or pattern of behavior accepted by a group.

a conventional understanding

Highlights the traditional or accepted way of perceiving something.

a public perception

Focuses on how something is viewed or understood by the general population.

FAQs

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

You can use "a widespread idea" to introduce a concept or belief that is commonly held or accepted by many people. For example: "There is "a widespread idea" that success requires hard work and determination."

What are some alternatives to "a widespread idea"?

Alternatives include "a common belief", "a prevalent notion", or "a general consensus", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to describe something as "a widespread idea"?

Not necessarily. While the phrase suggests broad acceptance, it's important to consider whether the idea truly has "widespread" support or if it's only prevalent within certain groups or contexts. Be mindful of potential overgeneralizations.

What is the difference between "a widespread idea" and "a popular opinion"?

"A widespread idea" generally refers to a concept or belief, while "a popular opinion" refers to a specific viewpoint on an issue. For example, "a popular opinion" might be support for a particular policy, while "a widespread idea" might be the belief that education is important.