commonplace ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commonplace ideas" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to thoughts or concepts that are widely accepted or frequently encountered in society. Example: "The article discusses several commonplace ideas about success that many people tend to believe without questioning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Drucker helped popularize now commonplace ideas about management.

Independent

His intelligence and ability to conceptualise weren't lost, even while language progressively eluded him; the possibility strains our commonplace ideas of how thought and language are wrapped up together.

The Guardian - Books

We note in these stories many of the now commonplace ideas about the health care system - issues of disclosure, problems of compliance and adherence to treatment, discourses of domination and patient passivity, victimhood and vulnerability.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Quite simply, the commonplace idea of free will we must ditch was always wrong.

The Guardian

He takes the commonplace idea that there are only so many stories in the world and follows it very far indeed.

The Guardian - Books

"This is a commonplace idea in the UK, which is the most democratic of the many countries I have lived in.

The Guardian - Books

And all depend on gaining a deeper understanding of the symmetries that are believed to underpin the structure of reality.Symmetry, in mathematical terms, means more than just the commonplace idea of mirror images.

The Economist

In its Beethoven Quartets in Context concerts at Carnegie Hall, the Emerson String Quartet has raised the bar for ensembles interested in thematic programming by taking a commonplace idea — presenting the Beethoven quartets with works by other composers — and turning it into a revelatory series.

The New York Times - Arts

Rarely, if ever, has the commonplace idea of a regular inflation adjustment provoked such bitter controversy.

Los Angeles Times

Nordenfelt's analysis starts with the commonplace idea that we think of health when it is not there; when there is instead, pain and disability.

Bioethics

It is important to remember that in many cases he's the one who established the conventional wisdom, such as the now-commonplace idea that offensive linemen are highly skilled creatures rather than mindless grunts.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commonplace ideas" to refer to concepts that are so well-known they are almost taken for granted. Be mindful of your audience; what is commonplace to one group may be novel to another.

Common error

Avoid using "commonplace ideas" excessively, especially when more specific or nuanced terminology would be more appropriate. Relying too heavily on this phrase can make your writing seem generic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commonplace ideas" functions as a noun phrase, where "commonplace" modifies the noun "ideas". It is used to describe thoughts or concepts that are widely known or accepted within a particular context. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commonplace ideas" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase denoting widely accepted or frequently encountered concepts. Ludwig AI validates this assessment. Although examples are not abundant, the term appears across diverse contexts like news, science and encyclopedias, indicating a degree of versatility. While not particularly formal or informal, careful consideration of audience and surrounding vocabulary is advised. Alternatives such as ""common notions"" or ""conventional wisdom"" may be considered for greater precision. When writing, using it sparingly and ensuring specific context is a best practice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common notions

Replaces "ideas" with "notions", implying familiar concepts.

conventional wisdom

Indicates widely accepted beliefs or assumptions.

accepted beliefs

Focuses on ideas that are generally agreed upon.

prevailing thoughts

Emphasizes the current and widespread nature of the ideas.

mainstream concepts

Highlights the acceptance of these ideas by the majority.

established principles

Implies a long-standing and well-recognized set of ideas.

typical viewpoints

Focuses on standard or average perspectives.

familiar concepts

Highlights the well-known and easily recognized nature of the ideas.

ordinary thoughts

Emphasizes the simple and unremarkable nature of the ideas.

widely held views

Highlights ideas that are commonly shared among people.

FAQs

How can I use "commonplace ideas" in a sentence?

You can use "commonplace ideas" to describe concepts that are widely accepted or frequently encountered. For example, "The essay challenges several "commonplace ideas" about education".

What are some synonyms for "commonplace ideas"?

Alternatives include "common notions", "conventional wisdom", or "accepted beliefs" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "commonplace ideas" in academic writing?

Yes, it is appropriate, but consider whether a more precise term might be more suitable for the specific context. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes be too general.

What's the difference between "commonplace ideas" and "original ideas"?

"Commonplace ideas" refer to concepts that are widely known and accepted, while "original ideas" are novel and innovative. The former represents established knowledge, and the latter signifies new insights or perspectives.