common preconceptions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common preconceptions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing widely held beliefs or assumptions that may not be accurate or are based on stereotypes. Example: "Many people have common preconceptions about the capabilities of artificial intelligence that are often misleading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It is a way to open a public debate and ultimately aim to change common preconceptions about pregnant women whilst campaigning for more effective laws to protect them.

The Guardian

Scott argues that science has tended to neglect the non-verbal side of communication, possibly because it does not fit within common preconceptions of what "sounds properly sciencey".

The Guardian

But when Vasconcelos overplays her femininity, her aim is to denounce common preconceptions, readily acknowledging the feminist ideas that underpin her work.

The Guardian

Challenging common preconceptions about what education in prison should look like — remedial classes, G.E.D. prep, vocational programs — B.P.I. offers its students the same course of study that regular Bard students receive.

The New Yorker

It may be that your colleague has, or your boss, or that woman you see at the gym; they're unlikely to tell you, and who can blame them, given the common preconceptions.

The Guardian

They should consider the common preconceptions visitors often bring, many of them as a direct result of more than a 100 years of visual culture which has reinforced the notion that evolution is oriented from simple toward complex organisms communicating the idea of a single ladder of life amidst the extraordinary diversity of organisms and that humans are at the pinnacle of the evolutionary story.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Contrary to common preconception, urban green roofs had significantly lower vector abundance relative to controls.

Building and Environment

It is a common preconception that developing and transferring a surgical device into the Operating Room (OR) represents a difficult enterprise.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

At first this appears a bit counterintuitive given the common preconception of larger government (that is, more government taxing and spending) during Democratic control.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

A common preconception of prenups is that they are a 'non romantic' precursor to marriage or that they are 'unnecessary if you truly love each other'.

Forbes

When I decided to visit North Korea, my memory of these students humanized the common preconception built from disturbing rhetoric surrounding North Korea in the West.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "common preconceptions", ensure you provide evidence or reasoning to challenge or debunk these preconceptions to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting "common preconceptions" as facts without acknowledging that not everyone may share these beliefs. Qualify your statements to indicate that these are widespread but not necessarily universal viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common preconceptions" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to widely held beliefs or assumptions that may or may not be accurate. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common preconceptions" is used to refer to beliefs or assumptions widely held by a group of people. These preconceptions are not inherently negative, but they are often presented as needing to be examined or challenged. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Science, and Academia, indicating its relevance across various fields. To ensure clarity and impact when using this phrase, it's important to provide evidence and reasoning to either support or challenge the stated preconceptions. Alternatives such as "widespread misconceptions" or "prevailing assumptions" can be used to express similar ideas with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widespread misconceptions

Replaces "preconceptions" with "misconceptions", highlighting the inaccuracy of the beliefs.

shared misunderstandings

Focuses on the lack of correct understanding.

public misconceptions

Highlights that the misconception is at the public level.

prevailing assumptions

Substitutes "preconceptions" with "assumptions", emphasizing the acceptance of these beliefs.

collective assumptions

Highlights the group aspect of the belief.

general biases

Focuses on the inherent biases present in the shared beliefs.

accepted wisdoms

Emphasizes the common acceptance of the ideas.

popular fallacies

Highlights the false nature of the "preconceptions".

conventional wisdom

Emphasizes the traditional and widely accepted nature of these beliefs, which may still be flawed.

established stereotypes

Draws attention to the stereotypical nature of the "preconceptions".

FAQs

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

You can use "common preconceptions" to introduce widely held beliefs that may be inaccurate or need to be challenged. For example, "There are "common preconceptions" about the effectiveness of certain therapies".

What are some alternatives to saying "common preconceptions"?

Alternatives include "widespread misconceptions", "prevailing assumptions", or "general biases", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "common preconceptions" or "shared misconceptions"?

Both "common preconceptions" and "shared misconceptions" are valid. "Common preconceptions" emphasizes the widely held nature of the beliefs, while "shared misconceptions" highlights their inaccuracy.

What is the difference between "preconceptions" and "misconceptions"?

"Preconceptions" are beliefs formed before having full knowledge, while "misconceptions" are incorrect understandings. "Common preconceptions" suggests that many people hold these preliminary beliefs, which may or may not be accurate.