common beliefs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common beliefs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to widely held ideas or opinions within a particular group or society. Example: "In many cultures, common beliefs about family values shape the way individuals interact with one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

How does a society arrive at common beliefs?

The Guardian - Arts

The fellowship of generations is the cause of common beliefs.

The New York Times

Here are the most common beliefs about teaching abroad – and my verdict on them.

The Guardian

The security of a vastly successful 52-year-old system of common beliefs fosters stability.

The New York Times

If you're considering it, here are seven common beliefs about meditation that are not supported by scientific evidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

But they have a lot of common beliefs too, and their numbers — and anger — are of a considerable magnitude.

The New York Times - Magazine

When if you've spent time in black communities, they are not shared by everyone, but they are pretty common beliefs".

The New York Times

"Republicans from the South and other conservative places at first, and even second, glance may not think of a New Yorker as someone they share common beliefs with.

The New York Times

Finally, the paradox was one of Socrates' own tools of the trade; a strategy he used to challenge the common beliefs of contemporary Athenians.

The Guardian - Opinion

The zoos are also dedicated to stimulating the human mind, and several will offer "keeper chats" that debunk common beliefs about signature Halloween species.

The New York Times

But the engine that drives the process is fueled by conviction, and that conviction produces individual and group identity and common beliefs.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing societal or cultural phenomena, use "common beliefs" to acknowledge widely held perspectives, even if they are not universally accepted or factually accurate.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "common beliefs" are universally shared; specify the group or context to which the beliefs apply to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common beliefs" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to ideas, opinions, or assumptions that are widely held within a particular group, society, or culture. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "common beliefs" is a widely used and grammatically correct noun phrase that denotes ideas, opinions, or assumptions generally accepted within a group or society. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is applicable across numerous contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. The phrase serves to identify and discuss prevalent perspectives, shaping discussions on societal norms and understandings. To ensure clarity, it's best to specify the group to which the beliefs apply. Alternatives include ""shared understandings"" and ""prevailing notions"". While "common beliefs" are frequently discussed, it's crucial to recognize that they may not always align with factual accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared understandings

Emphasizes the mutual agreement and comprehension among people.

prevailing notions

Focuses on beliefs that are currently widespread and accepted.

accepted wisdom

Highlights beliefs that are considered traditional and authoritative.

general consensus

Indicates a widespread agreement or opinion on a particular topic.

popular opinions

Refers to beliefs that are widely held among the public.

collective mindset

Focuses on the shared attitudes and beliefs of a group.

conventional wisdom

Highlights beliefs that are widely accepted but may not be accurate.

cultural norms

Emphasizes beliefs that are specific to a particular culture.

public perception

Focuses on how a particular issue or topic is generally viewed.

social attitudes

Refers to general feelings and beliefs within a society.

FAQs

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

You can use "common beliefs" to refer to ideas widely accepted within a society or group. For example, "One of the most "common beliefs" is that hard work leads to success."

What are some alternatives to "common beliefs"?

Some alternatives to "common beliefs" include "shared understandings", "prevailing notions", and "accepted wisdom" depending on the context.

Are "common beliefs" always accurate?

No, "common beliefs" are not always accurate. They represent widely held ideas, which may or may not be supported by evidence or facts. They can sometimes be misconceptions or stereotypes.

What is the difference between "common beliefs" and "cultural norms"?

"Common beliefs" refer to widespread ideas or opinions, while "cultural norms" are specific behaviors and expectations within a particular culture. While related, norms are more about practices than beliefs.