as is often thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as is often thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a statement that challenges a common belief or assumption. Example: "The theory of evolution is more complex than as is often thought, involving numerous factors that influence species development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Agency workers defy stereotypes: many work in high-end industries such as IT consultants, and the majority are not low-skilled migrants, stay-at-home mums or students as is often thought.

The Guardian - Business

In fact, biometrics are not as safe as is often thought.

The New York Times

It was not slavery he campaigned against, as is often thought, said Stuart, but Britain's part in the slave trade.

The Guardian

The Jew of Malta is certainly a play about antisemitism, but is it also (as is often thought) an antisemitic play?

The Guardian

Holland died during the construction of the tunnel, and it was named in his honor — and not, as is often thought, for the Netherlands.

The New Yorker

He aspired not to an "ethical foreign policy", as is often thought, but to a foreign policy with "an ethical dimension", and even this was only the fourth of his priorities security and prosperity were the main goals.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Since they are often regarded as infinite, moreover, some thinkers have doubted that they could be substances, as God is often thought of as the sole infinite substance (Descartes may have conceived of space as "indefinite" for this reason).

SEP

And they are not all "problem novels' as it is often thought.

The Guardian

Rural culture is as important as any other culture and is often thought of as backwards, dumb and redneck.

The Guardian - Opinion

The closing section of PA I (treated since the Renaissance as its fifth chapter) is often thought of as having two, essentially unrelated parts.

SEP

But I include her in this list, because on some definitions, she might count as a platonist, and she is often thought of as something like a platonist.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as is often thought" to introduce a nuanced perspective or to correct a common misconception. It adds depth and encourages critical thinking.

Common error

Avoid beginning multiple consecutive sentences with "as is often thought". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as is often thought" functions as an adverbial phrase, introducing a clause that challenges or qualifies a prevalent assumption. It sets the stage for presenting an alternative viewpoint or a more nuanced understanding, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as is often thought" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce a contrasting viewpoint or to challenge a common assumption. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. When using the expression "as is often thought", remember that it serves to set up a refutation or qualification of a prevailing belief, as opposed to simply stating a fact. It's important to ensure that the subsequent statement provides a valid alternative perspective, encouraging critical thinking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrary to what many believe

This challenges a specific belief held by a significant number of people.

contrary to popular belief

This phrase directly opposes a widely held idea.

contrary to popular opinion

Similar to "contrary to popular belief", but emphasizes opinion.

despite common perception

This highlights a divergence from what is generally perceived as true.

though it is often assumed

Challenges assumptions, often based on incomplete information.

it is commonly misunderstood that

This phrase directly addresses a misunderstanding.

it is often overlooked that

Highlights something that is frequently missed or not given enough attention.

what is not generally known is that

Emphasizes a lack of awareness regarding a particular fact or situation.

the conventional wisdom is mistaken

This directly challenges and dismisses common understanding.

popular wisdom suggests otherwise

Highlights that common sense isn't the most correct option.

FAQs

How can I use "as is often thought" in a sentence?

You can use "as is often thought" to introduce a statement that contradicts a common belief. For example, "Investing in renewable energy is more cost-effective than "as is often thought"".

What are some alternatives to "as is often thought"?

Alternatives include "contrary to popular belief", "despite common perception", or "contrary to what many believe" depending on the context.

Is "as is often thought" formal or informal?

The phrase "as is often thought" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more frequently used in academic or journalistic writing.

What's the difference between "as is often thought" and "as is commonly known"?

"As is often thought" introduces a contrast to a common belief that may be inaccurate, while "as is commonly known" refers to widely accepted and generally accurate information.