commonly held assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commonly held assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a belief or idea that is widely accepted by a group of people. Example: "The commonly held assumption is that all swans are white, but there are actually black swans as well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

It is a commonly held assumption that Americans don't like to read authors who write in languages they don't understand.

The New York Times - Books

The goal of ensuring adequate nutrition could easily be missed because of a commonly held assumption that hunger and nutrition are the same thing.

The Guardian

A commonly held assumption is that choosing to study part-time while continuing to teach is the best way to apply theory to practice, but the experience of some students suggests otherwise.

The Guardian

However, since the early 1920s the vast oil works have been dogged by erotic interpretations and, despite O'Keeffe's six decades of vigorous denial that her paintings were in any way sexual, it remains a commonly held assumption to this day.

The Guardian - Arts

Despite the commonly held assumption that nothing of value can be learned about an opponent in spring training, there are indeed a few nuggets that can be gleaned and then applied in the regular season.

The New York Times - Sports

In the early 1900s, Karl von Frisch, an Austrian naturalist and winner of the Nobel Prize, questioned the commonly held assumption that fish were color-blind.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Then pose and research unconventional questions that challenge commonly held assumptions.

The New York Times

Rather, it's about changing the atmosphere, the commonly held assumptions: life is hard and you're on your own.

The Guardian - Opinion

Parks's shots challenge commonly held assumptions about segregation – chiefly, that it prevented any physical contact whatsoever between black and white Americans.

The Guardian - Arts

But the American finding has so unsettled governments, agencies and officials dealing with Iran that it has suddenly upended commonly held assumptions.

The New York Times

Despite commonly held assumptions, American can still compete industrially and could do even better with the right investments in both human and physical infrastructure.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commonly held assumption" to introduce a perspective that requires examination. This invites critical evaluation and discussion, rather than passive acceptance.

Common error

Avoid implying that a "commonly held assumption" is universally accepted. Acknowledge that dissenting opinions or contradictory evidence may exist to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commonly held assumption" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It serves to identify an idea that is widely accepted, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples across diverse sources. This framing sets the stage for either supporting or challenging that idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "commonly held assumption" is a versatile tool for introducing widely accepted ideas, prompting discussion and analysis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in both formal and informal contexts. While its prevalence across science and news media highlights its broad applicability, it's crucial to avoid overstating its universality. Consider using alternatives like "prevailing belief" or "general consensus" to fine-tune the intended meaning. By understanding its function, purpose, and potential pitfalls, writers can leverage this phrase effectively to enhance clarity and critical thinking in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevailing belief

Focuses on the widespread acceptance of the idea.

widely accepted view

Highlights that the idea is broadly approved or recognized.

general consensus

Emphasizes agreement among a group of people.

shared understanding

Implies a mutual agreement and comprehension among individuals.

conventional wisdom

Suggests the idea has been accepted over time and is part of established knowledge.

public perception

Highlights what is commonly believed to be correct by most people.

established perception

Implies the idea has become a standard way of understanding something.

popular notion

Indicates the idea is well-known and favored by many.

traditional understanding

Emphasizes the historical and cultural acceptance of the idea.

accepted premise

Highlights that the idea is used as a foundation for reasoning or arguments.

FAQs

How can I use "commonly held assumption" in a sentence?

You can use "commonly held assumption" to introduce an idea that is generally accepted, such as: "The "commonly held assumption" is that exercise always leads to weight loss, but this isn't true for everyone."

What's a good alternative to "commonly held assumption"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "prevailing belief", "general consensus", or "widely accepted view".

Is it always necessary to challenge a "commonly held assumption"?

No, it's not always necessary. Sometimes, you may want to reinforce it with further evidence. However, questioning it can lead to new insights and perspectives.

What is the difference between a "commonly held assumption" and a "scientific theory"?

A "scientific theory" is supported by evidence and rigorous testing, while a "commonly held assumption" is simply an idea that many people believe, regardless of empirical support.