conventional assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

"conventional assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to a widely accepted belief or idea that is seen as traditional or standard. Example: The conventional assumption is that women are more nurturing than men, but recent studies have shown that both genders are equally capable of showing empathy and care.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

It's time to get beyond the conventional assumption that we can fix nature with manufactured surfaces.

The New York Times

The conventional assumption is that ideas and aesthetic innovation flow from the west to places such as Africa.

The Guardian - Books

Contrary to the conventional assumption, we find that there are no firm-based "ports of entry" in low level jobs.

Stanford University

The conventional assumption was that the taxes on option profits were balanced by reduced taxes paid by companies.

The New York Times

This is the conventional assumption: that the choice facing us used to be between the free market and all-controlling regimes.

The New York Times

The conventional assumption is that patients are admitted to psychiatric institutions because a therapist or family member says they're mentally ill.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

He challenges conventional assumptions about black boys like him.

The Guardian - Books

But a survey being released Tuesday seems to challenge some of those conventional assumptions.

The New York Times

And yet his unlikely rise has some political veterans wondering whether he could scramble conventional assumptions.

The New York Times

Now, two feminist historians are trying to upend conventional assumptions about sex, one of them studying celibacy, the other nymphomania.

The New York Times - Books

But they are heady for candidates, who often come away with feedback that contradicts conventional assumptions about the primary.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "conventional assumption", consider whether the assumption is truly valid in the current context, or if it needs to be challenged or updated.

Common error

Avoid blindly accepting "conventional assumptions" without critical evaluation. Always verify if the assumption holds true in your specific situation to prevent errors in reasoning or decision-making.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conventional assumption" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a concept that is generally accepted as true or standard. As Ludwig AI explains, it highlights a traditional or widely accepted belief.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

34%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conventional assumption" is a common noun phrase used to introduce a widely accepted belief or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The phrase frequently appears in scientific, news, and academic contexts, indicating its use in analytical and informed discussions. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to critically assess the assumption's validity in the given context and to avoid overreliance on it without proper evaluation. Alternatives like "established belief" or "commonly held view" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Commonly held view

Emphasizes the widespread nature of the viewpoint.

General consensus

Highlights the agreement among a group of people.

Usual premise

Highlights that the idea is a basis for reasoning.

Established belief

Focuses on the acceptance and longevity of the belief.

Typical expectation

Focuses on what is usually anticipated or predicted.

Prevailing wisdom

Highlights the perceived correctness and value of the idea.

Presumed idea

Emphasizes that the idea has been considered to be true until proven wrong.

Standard practice

Emphasizes that this is the normal way of doing something.

Traditional understanding

Stresses the historical and customary aspect of the comprehension.

Accepted norm

Underscores the idea as a standard or expected behavior.

FAQs

How is "conventional assumption" typically used in academic writing?

In academic writing, "conventional assumption" is often used to introduce an idea or belief that is widely accepted within a particular field, which the author then intends to challenge or refine. It sets the stage for presenting new research or arguments that deviate from the norm.

What are some alternatives to using "conventional assumption" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "established belief", "commonly held view", or "prevailing wisdom" depending on the context.

When should I question a "conventional assumption"?

Question a "conventional assumption" when new evidence contradicts it, when the assumption leads to unintended consequences, or when the context has changed significantly since the assumption was first established.

Is there a risk of bias when relying on "conventional assumption"?

Yes, relying on "conventional assumption" can introduce bias by overlooking alternative perspectives or dismissing potentially valuable insights that challenge the status quo. Always strive for a balanced and critical assessment of information.