a widespread sentiment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a widespread sentiment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling or opinion that is commonly held by a large number of people. Example: "The recent survey revealed a widespread sentiment among the population that climate change is a pressing issue that needs immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

DeLuca's is a widespread sentiment.

The New Yorker

She reflected a widespread sentiment among Danes.

The New York Times

This was a widespread sentiment around the state, making Ms. McCaskill's victory that much more remarkable.

The New York Times

He defined it as "a widespread sentiment that powerful media had gone too far".

The New York Times

Anything but this has become a widespread sentiment; irrationality is in the air.

The New York Times

Judging by the results of the midterm elections, it does not exactly seem to be a widespread sentiment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

After an early widespread sentiment that the insurance industry, which lost about $40 billion in the World Trade Center attack, needed help, many in Congress are now beginning to wonder why insurers cannot, indeed, cover the costs of future attacks.

The New York Times

In 1933, Cardinal Faulhaber noted (disapprovingly) the widespread sentiment that a "Christianity which still clings to the Old Testament is a Jewish religion, irreconcilable with the spirit of the German people".

The New Yorker

Though sectarian conflict is increasing, he says, "It would be a mistake to think that this bloodlust represents widespread sentiment among Iraqis as a whole.

The Economist

"Now the need for the liberals to find a new face to channel widespread sentiment against established politics will grow sharper than ever".

The New York Times

The decision reflected a wise deference to the widespread sentiment, at home and abroad, that the United States should go to war only if it has broad international support.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a widespread sentiment" to introduce a common viewpoint before presenting your own analysis or counter-argument. This acknowledges the existing perspective before offering a new one.

Common error

Avoid using "a widespread sentiment" if the feeling is only prevalent within a small group or region. Use more specific language if the sentiment isn't truly broad.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a widespread sentiment" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates a feeling or opinion that is broadly held within a population. Ludwig AI validates that "a widespread sentiment" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

11%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a widespread sentiment" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a feeling or opinion shared by many people. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for English writing. It frequently appears in news and media, academia, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to ensure the sentiment is genuinely widespread and to clarify who holds the sentiment for maximum impact. Related phrases include "a common belief" and "a prevailing view", offering subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common belief

Replaces "sentiment" with "belief", focusing on intellectual acceptance rather than emotional feeling. The semantic similarity with QUERY is very high.

a prevailing view

Substitutes "sentiment" with "view", highlighting a dominant perspective on a particular issue.

a general feeling

Uses "feeling" instead of "sentiment", offering a less formal way to describe the shared emotion.

a popular opinion

Replaces "sentiment" with "opinion", emphasizing widespread agreement or approval.

a shared understanding

Focuses on a common grasp of a situation, rather than an emotional response.

the consensus

Simplifies the phrase to a single word, indicating broad agreement or accord.

a public mood

Highlights the emotional state of the population, rather than a specific opinion.

a collective feeling

Emphasizes the group aspect of the emotion, suggesting a shared experience.

the prevailing wisdom

Suggests that the sentiment is not only widespread but also considered to be correct or sensible.

a common perception

Focuses on how something is interpreted or understood by many people.

FAQs

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

You can use "a widespread sentiment" to introduce a feeling or opinion held by many people. For example, "There is "a widespread sentiment" that taxes are too high".

What can I say instead of "a widespread sentiment"?

You can use alternatives like "a common belief", "a prevailing view", or "a general feeling" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a widespread sentiment" or "a widespread opinion"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""a widespread sentiment"" implies a feeling or emotion, while "a widespread opinion" suggests a reasoned judgment. Choose the phrase that best reflects the nature of what you're describing.

How can I identify if something is truly "a widespread sentiment"?

Look for evidence of the feeling or opinion across multiple sources and demographics. Surveys, polls, and media coverage can help you gauge how widely held a particular view is.