commonly thought of as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'commonly thought of as' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to introduce a synonym or a definition of something that is generally accepted. For example, "Arianism is commonly thought of as a fourth-century Christian heresy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

Harvard University

Gonorrhea is commonly thought of as a painful genital infection.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

Belsen is commonly thought of as a place of Jewish tragedy.

The Guardian - Books

What is commonly thought of as the featureless void is built from tiny units, or quanta.

The New York Times - Science

Geological processes are commonly thought of as slow and continuous, but many are rapid and episodic.

Proceedings of the Geologists' Association

For example, the letters of the English alphabet are commonly thought of as discrete signals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In contrast, Petwo lwa are commonly thought of as forceful, aggressive, and dangerous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A much-beloved Surrealist, he is not commonly thought of as such.

The New York Times - Arts

Adulthood is commonly thought of as beginning at age 20 or 21 years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Schoenberg is still commonly thought of as forbiddingly intellectual and off-putting: the 12-tone bugaboo.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, ensure that the claim being made is genuinely widespread, rather than simply your personal opinion or a niche perspective. Back up the statement with evidence or examples if possible.

Common error

Avoid using "commonly thought of as" when the idea is not genuinely widespread or when you lack evidence. Overstating the universality of a belief can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commonly thought of as" functions as an introductory phrase to present a widely held belief, perception, or understanding about a particular topic. As Ludwig AI suggests, it introduces a synonym or definition of something generally accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "commonly thought of as" is a versatile tool used to introduce widespread beliefs or perceptions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for a wide range of contexts. It appears most frequently in news, encyclopedic, and scientific sources. While generally neutral in tone, be mindful of overstating the universality of the belief presented. Alternative phrases, such as "generally regarded as" or "widely considered to be", can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Overall, "commonly thought of as" is a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally regarded as

Focuses on widespread acceptance or perception.

widely considered to be

Highlights the extent of the consideration.

typically perceived as

Emphasizes the typical or usual way something is seen.

ordinarily viewed as

Implies a standard or conventional perspective.

conventionally understood as

Stresses adherence to established norms in understanding.

popularly known as

Indicates common knowledge or recognition.

frequently recognized as

Highlights the regularity with which something is identified.

acknowledged by many as

Focuses on acknowledgement from many individuals.

largely believed to be

Emphasizes the degree of conviction in a belief.

assumed by most to be

Implies a presumption held by a majority.

FAQs

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

The phrase "commonly thought of as" is used to introduce a concept or idea that is generally believed or understood in a particular way. For instance, "Success is "commonly thought of as" the accumulation of wealth, but it can also mean personal fulfillment."

What are some alternatives to "commonly thought of as"?

Alternatives include phrases like "generally regarded as", "widely considered to be", or "typically perceived as". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase "generally regarded as" puts more emphasis on perception than "typically perceived as".

Is it okay to use "commonly thought of as" in formal writing?

Yes, "commonly thought of as" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure that the claim you are making about what is "commonly thought" is accurate and verifiable.

What's the difference between "commonly thought of as" and "what is known as"?

"Commonly thought of as" introduces a belief or perception, while "what is known as" introduces a name or term. You might say, "Quantum physics is "commonly thought of as" difficult," but "E=mc² is what is known as" Einstein's famous equation.