common wisdom

USAGE SUMMARY

"Common wisdom states that breakfast is the most important meal of the day." This phrase is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to refer to general knowledge or beliefs that are widely accepted or held by a majority of people. Example: "According to common wisdom, it is better to be safe than sorry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That reflects common wisdom.

The New York Times - Sports

The move ran counter to common wisdom.

The New York Times - Sports

Or so goes the common wisdom.

The New York Times

That insight is becoming common wisdom.

The New York Times

Common wisdom also has it that sunscreens protect against melanoma.

The New York Times - Health

Such common wisdom goes for prosperous lives, not misbegotten musicals.

The New York Times

The common wisdom is that markets hate uncertainty.

The New Yorker

But common wisdom in the room was "it's happening".

The Guardian - Tech

Now, there are two batches of common wisdom.

The New York Times

Common wisdom says that codeine is safer than morphine.

The New York Times - Health

Common wisdom says the war will strengthen Mr. Rumsfeld's hand with Congress.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "common wisdom" as a starting point for discussions or arguments, especially when you intend to challenge or question its validity.

Common error

Don't automatically accept "common wisdom" as fact without critical evaluation. Always verify information and consider alternative perspectives, as what is widely believed may not always be true.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common wisdom" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a widely accepted set of beliefs or a shared understanding within a community or society. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it's often used to introduce a concept before either supporting or challenging it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "common wisdom" is a very common noun phrase referring to widely accepted beliefs or general knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and Scientific domains. While useful for introducing shared understandings, it's crucial to critically evaluate "common wisdom" rather than accepting it blindly. Alternative phrases like "prevailing belief" or "general consensus" can provide nuanced perspectives. Remember, questioning "common wisdom" can lead to new insights and discoveries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely held belief

Simply indicates that a belief is common among a large number of people.

conventional thinking

Focuses more on established and traditional beliefs, often implying a lack of critical examination.

prevailing belief

Highlights the dominant or most widespread belief within a particular context or society.

collective understanding

Highlights the shared nature of knowledge within a community or group.

general consensus

Emphasizes agreement among a group of people, suggesting a shared understanding or opinion.

popular opinion

Refers to beliefs widely held by the general public, often influenced by social trends or media.

accepted knowledge

Highlights the aspect of information that is considered factual and reliable by a majority.

established view

Emphasizes the long-standing nature and widespread acceptance of a particular perspective.

received wisdom

Suggests knowledge passed down through generations, often without questioning its validity.

traditional understanding

Focuses on the historical and cultural context of the belief, emphasizing its roots in tradition.

FAQs

How to use "common wisdom" in a sentence?

You can use "common wisdom" to refer to a generally accepted belief, for example: "Common wisdom suggests that early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."

What can I say instead of "common wisdom"?

You can use alternatives like "prevailing belief", "general consensus", or "conventional thinking", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to challenge "common wisdom"?

It's appropriate to challenge "common wisdom" when there is evidence to the contrary or when the belief is based on outdated information or assumptions. Questioning "common wisdom" can lead to new discoveries and insights.

Is "common wisdom" always correct?

No, "common wisdom" is not always correct. It represents beliefs that are widely held but may not be based on facts or evidence. Critical thinking and verification are essential to avoid misinformation.