commonly held notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commonly held notion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a widely accepted belief or idea within a particular context or society. Example: "The commonly held notion is that hard work leads to success, but many factors contribute to achieving one's goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The Recursive Mind challenges the commonly held notion that language is what makes us uniquely human.

Princeton University

The process plays on the commonly held notion that anything in a photograph is taken as the truth.

The New York Times

Our analysis reframes the commonly held notion that consumers structure plant communities through a competition-defense tradeoff.

Stanford University

"Unfortunately, in this country, auction does have a taste or a scent of distress," Mr. Siegel said, echoing a commonly held notion.

The New York Times

Within China, migrants from Henan are often regarded with distrust, victims of discrimination based on a vague but commonly held notion that they are prone to criminality.

The New York Times

Indeed, a fairly commonly held notion claims that "foreigners", or non-native speakers, can, and do, use English rather better than native speakers.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Despite commonly held notions on the topic, there is no "correct" response to this kind of Islamophobia, least of all the curative properties of the "positive" Muslim story.

The Guardian - Opinion

A newly published harvest of scholarly research suggests that many commonly held notions about the monument are only a part of the whole truth.

The New York Times

First, and perhaps most surprisingly, we have found little evidence in support of commonly held notions about what makes some local governments perform better than others.

Harvard University

Here, Howe dispels other commonly held notions about Millennials such as their perceived immaturity.

Forbes

These conclusions were then compared with commonly held notions about "proper" or "valid" argumentation.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "commonly held notion", ensure the notion is genuinely widespread and not just your personal opinion. Provide evidence or context to support its prevalence.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "commonly held notion" is universally accepted. Acknowledge that dissenting opinions or alternative viewpoints may exist, adding depth and credibility to your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commonly held notion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a belief or idea that is widely accepted, often setting the stage for discussion or critique. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "commonly held notion" is a versatile tool for introducing and discussing widely accepted beliefs, across diverse fields. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to verify the actual prevalence of the belief, avoid overgeneralizations, and acknowledge alternative perspectives. Alternatives like "prevailing belief" or "widespread assumption" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. While the phrase enjoys broad applicability, awareness of its potential pitfalls will enhance the precision and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevailing belief

Focuses on the widespread acceptance of an idea as a belief.

widespread assumption

Highlights the acceptance of an idea without necessarily having concrete evidence.

general consensus

Emphasizes agreement among a group of people about an idea.

accepted wisdom

Implies that an idea has been established over time and is widely trusted.

conventional understanding

Refers to a standard or traditional way of interpreting something.

established view

Indicates that an idea has been recognized and accepted by experts or authorities.

popular perception

Focuses on how an idea is viewed by the general public.

shared understanding

Suggests a mutual agreement or comprehension among individuals.

dominant ideology

Highlights the power or influence of an idea within a society or group.

public opinion

Refers specifically to the collective attitudes and beliefs of the public.

FAQs

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

You can use "commonly held notion" to introduce an idea or belief that is widely accepted, often before challenging or providing a different perspective. For example: "The "commonly held notion" is that success requires immense wealth, but happiness can be found in simpler things."

What are some alternatives to "commonly held notion"?

Alternatives include "prevailing belief", "widespread assumption", or "general consensus". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to describe something as a "commonly held notion"?

No, not always. Before using the phrase "commonly held notion", ensure that the idea is genuinely widespread and not just your personal opinion or a belief held within a small group. It's important to have evidence or observations to support the claim that it is indeed a "commonly held notion".

How can I effectively challenge a "commonly held notion" in my writing?

To challenge a "commonly held notion" effectively, present clear and compelling evidence that contradicts it. Acknowledge the prevalence of the belief, explain its shortcomings, and offer a well-reasoned alternative perspective supported by credible sources. For example: "Despite the "commonly held notion" that..., research suggests..."