common opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

"common opinion" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the prevailing sentiment on an issue or topic, such as: The common opinion among the committee members is that the new policy should be revised.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's another common opinion.

The Guardian - Music

"This is a pretty common opinion in Russia".

The New York Times

Contrary to common opinion, yield and efficiency gaps are partially independent in the empirical evidence.

Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability

"I think the common opinion now is they were really bad movies.

The Guardian - Film

"As Gary points out, when you're reading, you're not partaking of the common opinion.

The New York Times - Magazine

By common opinion, he should never have started the 1998 final.

The New York Times - Sports

On the other hand, it is a common opinion that query processing is much easier in the former approach.

Information Systems

Still, the juries returned verdicts that indicated anything but a common opinion of the proceeding they had witnessed.

The New York Times

The common opinion is that rhapsodes were exclusively reciters of the compositions of others, which they consigned to memory.

Britannica

The common opinion of many families is that they've been deprived of all rights and means of protection.

The Guardian

The common opinion is that Sergei Sergeyevich is not an animal; other operas do their work far more cruelly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "common opinion" to introduce a viewpoint that is generally accepted but may not be based on factual evidence. Doing so allows you to then present counter-arguments or alternative perspectives.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "common opinion" as an irrefutable truth without proper verification. Always distinguish between popular beliefs and substantiated evidence to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common opinion" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a viewpoint widely held but not necessarily based on factual evidence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common opinion" is a frequently used expression that introduces a widely held belief or perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific research. While it signals a generally accepted viewpoint, it's crucial to remember that a "common opinion" isn't always synonymous with fact. Therefore, it's essential to critically evaluate such opinions and distinguish them from verified evidence. Alternatives like "prevailing view" or "general consensus" can provide subtle variations in meaning, and choosing the most appropriate option will enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevailing view

Focuses on the dominant or most accepted perspective.

general consensus

Emphasizes agreement among a group.

popular belief

Highlights the widespread acceptance of an idea.

accepted wisdom

Implies a long-standing and unquestioned belief.

conventional wisdom

Refers to commonly held beliefs, often without critical examination.

public perception

Focuses on how something is viewed by the general public.

collective understanding

Emphasizes the shared comprehension of a concept.

widely held belief

Highlights the broad acceptance of a particular idea.

shared understanding

Focuses on the common comprehension between individuals.

majority view

Indicates the opinion held by the greater number of people.

FAQs

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

You can use "common opinion" to introduce a belief widely held by many people, such as "The common opinion is that remote work increases productivity."

What's a more formal alternative to "common opinion"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "prevailing view" or "general consensus".

How does "common opinion" differ from "established fact"?

"Common opinion" reflects popular belief, which may or may not be supported by evidence. "Established fact", on the other hand, is verified and supported by evidence.

Is "common opinion" always accurate?

No, "common opinion" can be based on incomplete information or biases and might not always reflect the truth. Always critically evaluate the basis of a "common opinion".