common notions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common notions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to widely accepted ideas or beliefs that are generally understood by a group of people. Example: "In discussions about ethics, we often rely on common notions of right and wrong to guide our arguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

You might begin by brainstorming the common notions, stereotypes, and myths of what slavery was like.

The New York Times

Dan Rooney, the Steelers' owner, recalled that Carson defied the common notions of his era.

The New York Times

Despite the differences, there are some common notions in this line of research.

Encyclopedia Britannica

IN the 1960s, mainframe computers posed a significant technological challenge to common notions of privacy.

The New York Times - Tech

BUT it underscores the notion that the Middle East is a region that defies common notions of friend and foe.

The New York Times

In "The Ordeal of Elizabeth Marsh, Linda Colleyy has written a biography that tests all common notions about the genre.

The New York Times - Books

The Stoic common notions, Augustine held, are truths that God has implanted in the human mind through direct illumination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The notion of linguistic meaning, the special concern of philosophical and linguistic semantics, must be distinguished from other common notions with which it is sometimes confused.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Egoist doctrines are less concerned with the philosophic problem of what is the self than with the common notions of a person and his concerns.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

What does the common notion of a new baby as a gift mean?

The Guardian - Opinion

And even the common notion that 1983 represented an economic turnaround crumbles on closer inspection.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be aware that because of inherent generality of the phrase "common notions" it could weaken the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid presenting "common notions" as factual without providing supporting evidence or analysis. Instead, acknowledge them as widely held beliefs and then critically evaluate their validity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common notions" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI shows, it often introduces ideas or beliefs that are widely accepted or understood. The grammatical role is to denote these shared understandings within a given context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "common notions" is a frequently used noun phrase that refers to widely held beliefs or assumptions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, it's crucial to consider whether you aim to endorse, challenge, or build upon these beliefs. While the phrase is versatile, be cautious about presenting "common notions" as factual without supporting evidence. Alternatives like "prevailing beliefs" or "accepted wisdom" can offer nuanced variations, depending on the intended emphasis. Overall, understanding the context and purpose is key to effectively using "common notions" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevailing beliefs

This alternative emphasizes the current acceptance and dominance of the beliefs.

popular perceptions

This highlights how something is commonly viewed or understood by the public.

accepted wisdom

This suggests a long-standing and widely agreed-upon understanding or belief.

general assumptions

This focuses on beliefs that are taken for granted without necessarily being critically examined.

conventional ideas

This refers to ideas that conform to established norms and traditions.

established views

This indicates perspectives that have been recognized and accepted over time.

shared understandings

This stresses the collective agreement and comprehension among a group of people.

public opinions

This refers to the collective attitudes and beliefs of the general public.

widespread convictions

This emphasizes deeply held beliefs that are common across a large population.

standard interpretations

This points to commonly accepted ways of understanding or explaining something.

FAQs

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

You can use "common notions" to refer to beliefs or ideas that are generally accepted. For example, "The research challenges "common notions" about climate change."

What's a good alternative to "common notions"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "prevailing beliefs", "accepted wisdom", or "general assumptions".

Are "common notions" always accurate?

Not necessarily. "Common notions" represent widely held beliefs, but they may not always be supported by evidence or critical analysis. It's important to evaluate them critically.

In academic writing, is it better to challenge or support "common notions"?

It depends on your argument. Academic writing often involves critically examining "common notions", but you may also support them with evidence if appropriate. The key is to provide a clear rationale for your stance.