common assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

"common assumption" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to an idea or belief that is widely held by a group of people or society as a whole. Example: One common assumption is that all teenagers are rebellious and difficult to manage, but in reality, this is not always the case.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is a common assumption.

The New York Times

A common assumption was that it wouldn't.

The New York Times - Science

But not exclusively, contrary to a common assumption.

The New York Times - Science

The two inevitably overlap, and they share a common assumption.

The New York Times

A common assumption is that both are sunk.

The Economist

The common assumption is that elites are always hiding something.

The New York Times

It is a common assumption that all vacancies will be listed on every job site.

The Guardian

"They're all inside playing computer games," seems to be the most common assumption.

The Guardian - Opinion

A common assumption was an annual operating profit of about $1.5 billion.

The New York Times

The night seemed to upend the common assumption that young Russians are apathetic.

The New Yorker

"The common assumption is that it's bad for stability, but I'm not so sure," Lankov said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "common assumption" to introduce an idea that is widely believed, especially when you intend to challenge or question it.

Common error

While useful, overusing "common assumption" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "prevailing belief" or "widely held view" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common assumption" functions as a noun phrase used to identify a belief or idea that is widely accepted within a particular group or society. Ludwig examples show it often introduces a statement that will be subsequently challenged or examined.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common assumption" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression for introducing shared beliefs or ideas. Ludwig's analysis reveals its frequent appearance in news, media, and scientific contexts. Although versatile, it's best used when you intend to either validate or challenge the assumption in question. Remember to consider alternative phrases like "prevailing belief" or "widely held view" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typical assumption

Indicates that the assumption is usual or expected.

prevailing belief

Focuses on the widespread acceptance of an idea.

widely held view

Emphasizes the broad acceptance of a particular perspective.

general consensus

Highlights the agreement among a group of people.

popular notion

Highlights the widespread awareness of an idea.

accepted wisdom

Implies a belief is established and rarely questioned.

standard understanding

Focuses on shared knowledge and comprehension.

conventional wisdom

Similar to accepted wisdom, but may imply the belief is outdated.

underlying assumption

Focuses that the assumption is fundamental, often unstated.

presupposition

Emphasizes the idea is taken for granted.

FAQs

How can I use "common assumption" in a sentence?

You can use "common assumption" to introduce a widely held belief, such as "A "common assumption" is that all politicians are corrupt."

What are some alternatives to "common assumption"?

Some alternatives include "prevailing belief", "general consensus", or "widely held view".

Is it always correct to use "common assumption"?

Yes, "common assumption" is grammatically correct. However, ensure that the assumption you're referring to is indeed widely held and not just your own belief.

How do I challenge a "common assumption" effectively?

Start by acknowledging the "common assumption", then present evidence or reasoning to counter it. For instance, "The "common assumption" is X, but research suggests Y."