common belief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common belief" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can typically use it when you want to describe a widely-held opinion. For example, you might say, "It is a common belief that exercising regularly is good for overall health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Contrary to a common belief, labyrinths are not mazes.

The New York Times

Contrary to common belief, these things are instinctive".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The common belief was that he was playing himself.

The Guardian - Film

One common belief is that alcohol causes "self-inflation".

The New Yorker

VAGINAL DRYNESS -- Contrary to common belief, estrogen is not what sustains a woman's libido -- testosterone is.

The New York Times - Health

There is a common belief that over-the-counter medicines are inherently safe.

The New York Times

The common belief that Soviet communism owed little to Marxism is mistaken.

The Guardian

Contrary to the common belief, Wright liked big, showy, bowwow buildings.

The New Yorker

But it turns out that there's little good evidence for that common belief.

The New York Times - Food

Yet, for some reason, it's a common belief that any coherent piece of writing deserves publication.

The Guardian - Books

There is a common belief among many Japanese that foreigners can never quite understand their country.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "common belief", clarify whether you agree with the belief or are presenting it neutrally. State your position explicitly to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "common belief" is universally held. Acknowledge that dissenting opinions may exist and provide context to show how widespread the belief truly is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common belief" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces an idea that is widely accepted or held by a significant portion of a population. Ludwig shows examples that illustrate this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common belief" is a frequently used noun phrase that introduces widely accepted ideas or assumptions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and presence in diverse sources, including news, science, and general knowledge platforms. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, remember to clarify your stance on the belief and consider its potential limitations to avoid overgeneralizations. Alternatives like "widely held view" or "general consensus" can provide nuanced alternatives based on your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely held view

Focuses on the prevalence of the opinion.

general consensus

Emphasizes agreement among a group of people.

prevailing wisdom

Implies that the belief is not only common but also considered wise or correct.

accepted notion

Highlights the acceptance and recognition of the belief.

popular opinion

Focuses on the popularity of the belief among the general public.

conventional wisdom

Refers to beliefs that have been established for a long time and are widely accepted.

shared understanding

Emphasizes the collective comprehension of a concept.

established idea

Suggests the belief is well-founded and recognized.

public perception

Focuses on how something is generally perceived by the public.

collective wisdom

Implies that the shared belief represents a cumulative understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "common belief" to introduce an idea that is widely accepted. For example, "It is a "common belief" that exercise is essential for good health".

What phrases are similar to "common belief"?

Alternatives include "widely held view", "general consensus", or "accepted notion". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always accurate to refer to something as a "common belief"?

No, just because something is labeled a "common belief" doesn't make it universally true. It's essential to evaluate the evidence and context before accepting a "common belief" at face value. Consider whether it is closer to "popular opinion" or "prevailing wisdom".

What's the difference between "common belief" and "conventional wisdom"?

"Common belief" refers to any widely accepted idea. "Conventional wisdom" is similar but often implies a belief that has been around for a long time and may not always be accurate or up-to-date. "Conventional wisdom" can also refer to beliefs specific to a field.