common assumption that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common assumption that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing widely held beliefs or ideas that are generally accepted without question. Example: "There is a common assumption that all successful entrepreneurs have a background in business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A common assumption that is widely used in high-order nonlinear systems with or without switching is removed.

Journal of the Franklin Institute

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

The Guardian

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

The New Yorker

It's a common assumption that companies only care about quick gains.

The New Yorker

The researchers found no evidence for the winter blues, the common assumption that short winter days contribute to negative moods.

The New York Times - Science

There is a common assumption that local retailers charge more because they have to pay more in rent.

The New York Times

In BEFORE THE POISON (Morrow/ HarperCollins $25.99), Peter Robinson refutes the common assumption that romantic suspense is a woman's game.

The New York Times - Books

The film also takes up the common assumption that African-American prowess in sports like track or basketball is somehow a result of genetics or biology.

The New York Times - Arts

Or more precisely, as opposed to the common assumption that 'everything is different now after Sept. 11,' almost everything has stayed the same, albeit in sharper relief".

The New York Times

The photography experiment challenges our common assumption that we would be happier with the option to change our minds when in fact we're happier with closure.

The New York Times - Magazine

It also contests in advance the common assumption that the novel is some kind of allegory of the state of South Africa.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If your goal is to challenge the assumption, lead with the phrase "Contrary to the common assumption that..." to immediately signal your intent.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "common assumption that" as an undisputed fact without any analysis. Even if widely accepted, briefly acknowledge potential limitations or alternative perspectives to demonstrate critical thinking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common assumption that" serves as an introductory device. It introduces a statement that is generally believed to be true, often setting the stage for either supporting or refuting this belief. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "common assumption that" is a grammatically sound phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, employed to introduce a widely held belief. Its function is to set the stage for further discussion, either supporting or challenging the assumption. With its frequent usage in news, scientific literature, and encyclopedias, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. While a valuable tool, remember to critically assess these assumptions rather than accepting them at face value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely held view that

Highlights the extensive acceptance of a particular perspective.

standard assumption that

Highlights that the assumption is part of a set of standards.

prevailing belief that

Emphasizes the widespread acceptance of the belief.

established belief that

Indicates a long-standing and firmly rooted conviction.

conventional wisdom that

Refers to beliefs that are commonly accepted but not necessarily true.

accepted notion that

Highlights the general agreement on an idea.

popular perception that

Focuses on how something is commonly viewed by the public.

general understanding that

Focuses on the shared comprehension of a concept.

presupposition that

Highlights the role of the assumption as a precondition.

widespread idea that

Implies that the idea is broadly circulated and recognized.

FAQs

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

You can use "common assumption that" to introduce an idea widely accepted by a particular group of people. For instance, "A "common assumption" is that younger generations are more tech-savvy than older generations".

What are some alternatives to "common assumption that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "prevailing belief that", "general understanding that", or "widely held view that", each subtly altering the emphasis.

When is it appropriate to challenge a "common assumption that"?

It is appropriate to challenge a "common assumption that" when you have evidence or reasoning that contradicts it. This can lead to new insights and a more nuanced understanding of the subject matter.

What's the difference between "common assumption that" and "hypothesis"?

A "common assumption that" is a widely accepted belief, while a "hypothesis" is a testable explanation for a phenomenon. The former is often unproven, while the latter is subject to empirical testing.