accepted notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accepted notion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a widely recognized or agreed-upon idea or belief within a particular context or field. Example: "The accepted notion in the scientific community is that climate change is primarily driven by human activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This result differs from the broadly accepted notion "no local public acceptance, no CCS".

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Start with the universally accepted notion that black is basic.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the margins are often so slim as to seriously challenge that accepted notion.

The Guardian - Sport

But nevertheless, the term "French film" seems to signify some abstract but generally accepted notion of "quality".

The Guardian - Film

The old accepted notion that the barbarians were confined to the S.S. and the Gestapo has been cast aside.

The New Yorker

Microsoft providing free tooling for this fits with the commonly accepted notion that platform adoption is helped by free tooling.

The Guardian - Tech

Mehta believes he stuck with his venture to "defy the accepted notion that the blind must keep to their pitiful place".

The New York Times - Books

After all, it poses a challenge to the accepted notion that sleepwalking is confined to activities involving gross motor movements, with minimal cognitive activity.

The New York Times

He proved so popular that he returned in 1964 and again in 1965, when he famously challenged the widely accepted notion that "authentic" folk music was acoustic music.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The now-accepted notion of casual sex for instance, is at the heart of this.

The New York Times

Then, we employ the well-accepted notion of mobility trace of an individual as a set of stops and moves [5, 28].

EPJ Data Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When challenging an "accepted notion", provide strong evidence and reasoning to support your counter-argument. Acknowledge the prevailing view before presenting your alternative perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "accepted notion" simply as a placeholder for a well-known fact. Always ensure that the notion is truly accepted within the relevant context and that you're not perpetuating outdated or inaccurate information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accepted notion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a belief or idea that is widely recognized and agreed upon within a particular context. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase can be used to introduce or challenge an existing idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "accepted notion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis. It serves to introduce or address ideas widely believed within specific fields. With examples drawn from diverse sources such as scientific journals, news outlets, and encyclopedias, its usage spans various contexts, primarily Science and News & Media. Ludwig confirms that its register tends towards neutral to formal, fitting analytical and professional settings. When using this phrase, it's important to critically evaluate whether the notion is truly accepted and accurate, ensuring that you're not simply perpetuating outdated or inaccurate information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Prevailing wisdom

Highlights the widespread acceptance and influence of an idea.

Common understanding

Focuses on the shared comprehension and agreement among people.

Established belief

Emphasizes the long-standing and deeply rooted nature of the idea.

Conventional wisdom

Similar to prevailing wisdom, but may imply a lack of critical examination.

General consensus

Stresses the agreement reached by a majority of people.

Received wisdom

Highlights the idea being passed down and accepted without question.

Prevailing view

Similar to prevailing wisdom, but could apply to a specific viewpoint.

Standard understanding

Emphasizes the uniformity and widely accepted interpretation.

Conventional thinking

Similar to conventional wisdom, but emphasizes the process of thinking.

Common knowledge

Suggests the idea is widely known and understood by most people.

FAQs

How can I use "accepted notion" in a sentence?

You can use "accepted notion" to introduce a concept widely believed to be true. For example, "The "accepted notion" is that exercise improves overall health."

What are some alternatives to "accepted notion"?

Alternatives include "prevailing wisdom", "common understanding", or "established belief". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always correct to assume an "accepted notion" is true?

No. An "accepted notion" can be challenged or disproven with new evidence. Critical thinking involves questioning even widely held beliefs.

What's the difference between "accepted notion" and "common knowledge"?

"Common knowledge" refers to facts generally known by the public. An "accepted notion" might be more specific to a particular field or group, and may not be universally known or understood.