as commonly imagined

USAGE SUMMARY

"as commonly imagined" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a preconceived notion that people may hold about a certain situation. For example, "Despite what is commonly imagined, the process of applying to college is actually fairly straightforward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is not quilting as commonly imagined – Laura Ashley pre-cut squares machined together for the guest room – but something infinitely more imaginative, idiosyncratic, personal; another way of drawing or painting, another form of narrative or expression.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Their crookedness suggests that soft tissue may not have extended all the way to the tips of the spines, meaning that the sail's webbing may not have been as extensive as it is commonly imagined.

Wikipedia

The thrust of civilization is commonly imagined as an arc curving ever upward.

The New York Times

We most commonly imagine a pyramid as having a square base, and sides that taper up to a single point, but the base of a pyramid can actually have 5, 6, or even 100 sides!

WikiHow

And floating is much more rare than people commonly imagine.

The Economist

It is difficult to imagine anyone performing the same trick on Doyle's life (his surname was "Doyle" rather than "Conan Doyle", as commonly thought).

The Guardian - Books

Not as excited as you'd imagine.

Independent

It expresses itself uniquely as well as commonly.

The Guardian - Opinion

The family is not downsizing as commonly understood.

The Guardian

Just as commonly, however, strife arises from a personality clash.

The New York Times

Will we be as the other imagined?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as commonly imagined" to introduce a surprising or less-known aspect of a topic, creating intrigue and encouraging readers to reconsider their assumptions.

Common error

Avoid relying on "as commonly imagined" excessively, as it can become repetitive. Use it sparingly to maximize its impact and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as commonly imagined" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the statement that follows by indicating that it deviates from a widely held belief or assumption. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it often introduces a contrast or correction to a prevailing idea.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as commonly imagined" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to introduce perspectives that diverge from popular beliefs. According to Ludwig, this phrase effectively challenges preconceived notions and invites readers to reconsider their assumptions. While its usage is not extremely frequent, it's particularly common in News & Media and Science contexts. To ensure effective communication, use it sparingly and consciously to challenge perspectives and clarify existing knowledge, as overusing this phrase might weaken the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as typically conceived

Replaces "imagined" with "conceived", emphasizing the formation of an idea.

as generally understood

Focuses on common knowledge rather than imagination.

contrary to popular belief

Directly contrasts the common view with the actual situation.

against conventional wisdom

Highlights a deviation from established or accepted beliefs.

defying expectations

Emphasizes the surprise or unexpected nature of the reality.

not as people assume

Directly addresses and corrects a common assumption.

unlike what is typically thought

Emphasizes the difference between reality and common thought.

different from popular perception

Focuses on how something is viewed by the public.

contrary to popular opinion

Directly opposes a widespread viewpoint or belief.

challenges the common view

Highlights the act of questioning a prevailing belief.

FAQs

How can I use "as commonly imagined" in a sentence?

You can use "as commonly imagined" to introduce a fact or perspective that contradicts what people typically believe or assume. For example, "As commonly imagined, a balanced diet isn't always expensive."

What phrases are similar to "as commonly imagined"?

Similar phrases include "contrary to popular belief", "against conventional wisdom", and "not as people assume".

Is "as commonly imagined" formal or informal?

The phrase "as commonly imagined" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more frequently seen in news and media or academic writing.

What's the difference between "as commonly imagined" and "as commonly understood"?

"As commonly imagined" refers specifically to preconceived notions or mental images, while "as commonly understood" refers to general knowledge or accepted facts. The former invites a reconsideration of assumptions, while the latter focuses on clarifying existing knowledge.