challenging the notion that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenging the notion that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that someone is questioning or disputing a commonly held belief or idea. Example: "The author is challenging the notion that success is solely determined by hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Moreover, she says, the number of total referrals to special education has declined in recent years, challenging the notion that retained children are being indiscriminately tossed into programs.

The New York Times

One key to doing that is challenging the notion that Islam absolutely forbids homosexuality.

The New York Times

This political culture is challenging the notion that American youth don't care about political change.

The Guardian - Opinion

As long ago as 1988, he was talking about increasing social mobility, defending the middle class, and challenging the notion that you can't buck the market.

The New Yorker

With every gathering outside parliament, Sealds members are challenging the notion that protesters in Japan must be above a certain age, an eccentric or a Marxist ideologue.

The Guardian

Efforts to pass a broad energy and climate bill remain mired in the Senate, with some senators challenging the notion that the earth is warming.

The New York Times

Challenging the notion that women exist only to please men, she proposed that women and men be given equal opportunities in education, work, and politics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And although being overweight or obese was associated with a range of health conditions, the inquiry received evidence challenging the notion that weight always entailed poor health.

Independent

Although the last thirty years have seen a significant amount of research challenging the notion that science and religion are incompatible, the metaphor of warfare persists, especially in the popular imagination.

Cornell University

Challenging the notion that the Fed Chair controls the organization as an all-powerful technocrat, he explains how institutions and individuals within and outside of government shape Fed policy.

Princeton University

Challenging the notion that violence simply breeds more violence, Antonius C. G. M. Robben's provocative study argues that in Argentina violence led to trauma, and that trauma bred more violence.

University of Pennsylvania

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "challenging the notion that" to introduce a counterargument or alternative perspective in a clear and direct manner. It's especially effective when addressing widely accepted beliefs or assumptions.

Common error

While appropriate for formal writing, "challenging the notion that" can sound overly academic in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "questioning whether" or "thinking differently about" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenging the notion that" functions as a discourse marker. It introduces a statement that questions, contradicts, or presents an alternative perspective to a widely held belief or assumption. Ludwig AI examples showcase this function across various domains, demonstrating its role in academic discourse, news reporting, and opinion pieces.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

25%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "challenging the notion that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as supported by Ludwig AI. It serves as a discourse marker to introduce arguments that question or contradict established beliefs. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, this phrase effectively signals a critical analysis of prevailing viewpoints. For less formal settings, consider simpler alternatives like "questioning whether". Remember that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, and it can be a valuable tool for conveying skepticism and encouraging critical thinking in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questioning the belief that

Replaces "notion" with "belief", implying a more deeply held conviction being challenged.

disputing the idea that

Uses "disputing" to emphasize active disagreement with the idea.

contesting the assumption that

Highlights that the challenged idea is based on an unproven assumption.

undermining the claim that

Focuses on weakening the validity of the original statement.

refuting the argument that

Suggests a more formal and direct contradiction of the idea.

casting doubt on the view that

Emphasizes creating uncertainty about the accepted view.

problematizing the concept that

Indicates that the idea is being presented as complex or flawed.

taking issue with the premise that

Directly challenges the foundational basis of the original statement.

debunking the myth that

Implies that the challenged idea is widely believed but false.

subverting the paradigm that

Suggests a fundamental shift in thinking or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "challenging the notion that" in a sentence?

Use "challenging the notion that" to introduce a statement that questions or contradicts a commonly held belief. For example: "The study is "challenging the notion that" older workers are less productive than their younger counterparts."

What are some alternatives to "challenging the notion that"?

Alternatives include "questioning the belief that", "disputing the idea that", or "contesting the assumption that". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "challenging the notion that"?

While grammatically correct, "challenging the notion that" is generally more suited for formal or academic writing. In informal conversations, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "challenging the notion that" and "supporting the notion that"?

"Challenging the notion that" implies disagreement or doubt, while "supporting the notion that" indicates agreement or providing evidence in favor. They are opposite in meaning and should be used carefully to reflect your intended stance.