a widespread perception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a widespread perception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a belief or understanding that is commonly held by a large number of people. Example: "There is a widespread perception that climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

LAURA SECOR: There is a widespread perception outside Iran that the Green Movement has been defeated.

The New Yorker

Elsewhere it underscored a widespread perception of the Bush administration as "unilateralist".

The New York Times

There is a widespread perception that our political system is broken.

The Guardian

There's a widespread perception that sex sells, in cinema, as elsewhere.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was a widespread perception that everybody knew the rules of the election beforehand.

The Economist

A widespread perception held that the book was animated from within by its author.

The New York Times - Books

"There's a widespread perception that your earning potential in China will be much greater – but the reality is quite different.

The Guardian

This, and a widespread perception of brattiness or arrogance on his part, deflected his rise to superstardom.

The New York Times - Arts

It is a sore point and a widespread perception, though one that is not true, the council says.

The New York Times

The challenge is that we currently have is a widespread perception that domestic violence is gender neutral.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now he is once more facing wild-eyed markets and a widespread perception that Spain's economy will fail to grow.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a widespread perception", ensure you can back it up with evidence or examples. While it indicates a common belief, avoid implying that it's universally true without support.

Common error

Avoid using "a widespread perception" when the belief is limited to a specific group or context. Instead, qualify it with "among [group]" or "within [field]" to accurately reflect its prevalence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a widespread perception" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a commonly held belief or understanding. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the expression is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Opinion

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a widespread perception" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to introduce a belief or understanding that is shared by many people. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for use in written English. It appears frequently in news media, opinion pieces, and books, and less commonly in scientific and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the perception is genuinely widespread and, when possible, to support it with evidence or examples. Alternative phrases, such as "a common understanding" or ""a prevailing view"", can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common understanding

Focuses on shared comprehension rather than a potentially subjective perception.

a general belief

Emphasizes the idea as a conviction held by many.

a prevailing view

Highlights that the idea is currently dominant or most accepted.

a widely held opinion

Underscores the subjective nature of the belief, framing it as an opinion.

a public consensus

Suggests a greater degree of agreement and collective decision.

a popular notion

Indicates widespread acceptance and familiarity, potentially implying superficiality.

a societal viewpoint

Broader, relating to the values and attitudes of society as a whole.

a collective impression

Focuses on the formation of a shared understanding from individual experiences.

a dominant narrative

Emphasizes the structuring and persuasive nature of the widely held belief.

a conventional wisdom

Implies that the belief is long-standing and possibly unexamined.

FAQs

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

You can use "a widespread perception" to introduce a belief or understanding that is commonly held by many people. For example, "There is "a widespread perception" that the economy is improving."

What are some alternatives to "a widespread perception"?

Alternatives include "a common belief", "a general understanding", or "a prevailing view", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a widespread perception" in formal writing?

Yes, "a widespread perception" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing public opinion, social trends, or commonly held beliefs within a specific field or context. It's also appropriate in "academic discourse".

What's the difference between "a widespread perception" and "a common misconception"?

"A widespread perception" suggests a belief held by many, without necessarily implying it's false. "A common misconception", on the other hand, specifically refers to a belief that is known to be untrue or inaccurate. So, "a common misconception" is related to the idea of incorrectness.