commonly thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commonly thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to beliefs or ideas that are widely accepted or held by many people. Example: "It is commonly thought that exercise improves mental health and well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gonorrhea is commonly thought of as a painful genital infection.

The New Yorker

These shortcomings shut out more travelers than commonly thought.

The New York Times

Advanced technologies are commonly thought to be complementary to skills.

Research Policy

Trams aren't commonly thought of as beautiful places to be.

Harvard University

So I think it's less threatened than commonly thought.

Harvard University

Yet even diseases commonly thought to be strongly inherited, like many cancers, are not, researchers found.

The New York Times - Health

One species of spider beetle is commonly thought of as a bed bug.

The New York Times

But it is not as difficult for the court to change course as is commonly thought.

The New York Times

Coupe Jules Rimet was never found, commonly thought to have been melted down.

The Guardian - Sport

Pellagra, he asserted, arose not from germs, as commonly thought, but from deficient diets.

The New York Times - Health

It's commonly thought that the heyday of difficult gaming was back in the 1980s.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commonly thought" to introduce a perspective that is widely held, especially when you intend to challenge or provide a nuanced view. This signals to the reader that you are aware of the prevailing opinion before offering an alternative.

Common error

Avoid using "commonly thought" without providing evidence or context. Overgeneralizing can weaken your argument and make your writing seem less credible. Ensure you can support the claim that the idea is indeed widely held.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commonly thought" functions as an introductory phrase to present an idea or belief that is widely accepted or held by many people. It often sets the stage for a discussion or argument where the author might challenge or offer a different perspective. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commonly thought" is a versatile phrase used to introduce widespread beliefs or assumptions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts such as news, science, and academia. While generally neutral in register, it often serves as a springboard for presenting alternative perspectives. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overgeneralization and ensuring that you provide context for your claims.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely believed

Emphasizes the extent of belief rather than the act of thinking.

generally accepted

Focuses on the acceptance of an idea by the general public.

popularly understood

Highlights the common understanding of a concept.

commonly known

Stresses the widespread knowledge of something.

universally acknowledged

Indicates near-complete agreement or recognition.

ordinarily assumed

Highlights a typical or usual assumption made by people.

conventionally viewed

Focuses on established or traditional perspectives.

typically regarded

Emphasizes the standard or usual way of considering something.

presumed by many

Highlights the act of presuming or assuming by a large group.

taken for granted

Indicates that something is accepted without question or thought.

FAQs

How can I use "commonly thought" in a sentence?

You can use "commonly thought" to introduce a belief or idea that is widely accepted. For example, "It is "commonly thought" that a balanced diet is essential for good health."

What are some alternatives to "commonly thought"?

Alternatives include "widely believed", "generally accepted", or "popularly understood". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "commonly thought" formal or informal?

"Commonly thought" is generally suitable for both formal and informal writing, but its impact can vary. In more formal settings, consider using stronger, more precise language to highlight your claim depending on context.

What's the difference between "commonly thought" and "commonly known"?

"Commonly thought" refers to a belief or opinion, while "commonly known" refers to a fact that is widely recognized. You can use "commonly known" when referring to factual information.