challenge the norm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenge the norm" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing ideas, behaviors, or practices that go against established standards or conventions. Example: "Artists often challenge the norm to push the boundaries of creativity and provoke thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

My favourite cultural venues challenge the norm or at least question it, all in different ways.

The Guardian

"You can challenge the norm, bring new ideas to the table and see more productive ways of working".

The Guardian

The aims are bold: to challenge the norm for new working mothers, propel more women through the glass ceiling and fashion a generation of nurturing fathers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If you look at dyslexics like Einstein or Richard Branson, their condition forced them to challenge the norm and find a new way of doing things.

The Guardian

And we're still most likely to find this in sports and art, where the practitioners get to exceed or challenge the norm and the spectators get to respond in ways everyday life doesn't encourage.

The New York Times - Arts

"We need to challenge the norm, and we need to make sure [we have] support services and pathways so we can stop this generational violence within families," she said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But I was not afraid to challenge the norms".

The Guardian

They challenge the norms of the A-to-B protest but never damage anything and always clean up after themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, for those forward thinking enough to challenge the norms and try something new the rewards are plentiful.

The Guardian

This frustration has prompted Holmes to challenge the norms with an atypical season born of unique circumstances.

The Guardian

Whether it's a vaguely written Craiglist ad, an unconventional sample, or a rework of a 90s female R&B trio, Wes Marsh will continue to challenge the norms of today's electronic music, one eye-popping hue at a time.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "challenge the norm", ensure that the context clearly explains what the norm is and why it's being challenged. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "challenge the norm" without specifying which norm is being challenged. Be explicit about the standard being questioned to prevent confusion and ensure your message is effectively communicated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenge the norm" functions as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, often serving to introduce a contrasting idea or action in a text. It highlights the act of questioning established conventions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "challenge the norm" is a verb phrase used to express the act of questioning or defying established standards, suitable for a variety of contexts. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business and Science contexts. While examples of its usage are not extremely common, the phrase is considered neutral in register and carries a clear communicative purpose of encouraging critical thinking and promoting innovation. When employing this phrase, ensure you clearly define which norm is being challenged to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives such as "defy convention" or "question the status quo" can be used to add nuance or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defy convention

This alternative implies a more direct and often rebellious act of going against established customs.

question the status quo

This option focuses on the act of questioning existing power structures and societal norms.

disrupt the established order

This phrase suggests a forceful interruption or alteration of the existing system.

rebel against tradition

This suggests a deliberate act of defiance against established customs and practices.

break with precedent

This phrase refers to departing from previously established practices or decisions.

go against the grain

Implies acting in opposition to the prevailing attitude or trend.

challenge existing paradigms

This is a more academic way of describing a challenge to fundamental assumptions.

subvert expectations

This suggests overturning common assumptions or anticipations.

transgress boundaries

This option refers to overstepping established limits or rules.

dissent from orthodoxy

This implies a disagreement with established beliefs or doctrines.

FAQs

How can I use "challenge the norm" in a sentence?

You can use "challenge the norm" to describe actions or ideas that question or defy established standards. For example, "The artist sought to "challenge the norm" by creating unconventional sculptures."

What are some alternatives to "challenge the norm"?

You can use alternatives like "defy convention", "question the status quo", or "disrupt the established order" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "challenge the norm" and "defy the norm"?

"Challenge the norm" implies questioning or contesting an existing standard, while "defy convention" suggests a more direct and rebellious act of going against it.

Is it appropriate to use "challenge the norm" in formal writing?

Yes, "challenge the norm" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when discussing innovation, social issues, or critical analysis. However, ensure the context provides clear understanding of the specific norm being addressed.