conventional understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

"conventional understanding" is a valid phrase in written English.
It refers to commonly accepted beliefs or knowledge. You can use it in formal or academic writing, as well as in casual conversations. Example: "The conventional understanding of gravity was challenged by Einstein's theory of relativity." In this sentence, "conventional understanding" is used to refer to the general consensus or belief about gravity that existed before Einstein's theory.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They challenge a conventional understanding of reality".

The New Yorker

Yet the conventional understanding is wrong.

The New York Times

Even Palmer had the sense to see that his paintings were too wayward for conventional understanding.

The Guardian - Books

The Workfare State challenges the conventional understanding of the development of modern public assistance policy.

University of Pennsylvania

That work, widely disseminated in Western media, becomes the conventional understanding.

The New York Times

Indeed, contrary to the conventional understanding, President Trump could implement the scheme on his own, without Congress's approval.

The New York Times

The essays in this volume challenge the conventional understanding of reconciliation as a benign state-driven process.

Columbia University

We argue, contrary to the conventional understanding, that committee members sometimes defy majority preferences rather than reinforce them.

Harvard University

Conventional understanding of election-season populism assumes that the president will be looking to stick it to die-hard Republicans.

The New York Times

The lead researcher on the study, Prof Paul Fisher, said the discovery turned conventional understanding about Parkinson's on its head and had shocked the researchers.

The Guardian

He wanted his music to tap into a region beyond conventional understanding – "I wanted to produce music that was the sound of God.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "conventional understanding", ensure you are accurately representing the generally accepted viewpoint before presenting a contrasting argument or novel perspective.

Common error

Avoid assuming that your personal beliefs or those of a niche group represent the "conventional understanding". Always research and verify what is widely accepted before using the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conventional understanding" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a generally accepted belief or interpretation. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in academic, news, and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conventional understanding" is a frequently used noun phrase that signifies a generally accepted belief or interpretation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide application across various domains, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. When employing this phrase, writers should ensure they accurately represent the prevailing viewpoint and avoid misattributing personal beliefs as the "conventional understanding". Alternatives such as "accepted wisdom" or "common knowledge" can offer nuanced variations in meaning, enriching the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accepted wisdom

Emphasizes the acceptance of an idea within a specific field or community.

mainstream thought

Emphasizes the alignment of an idea with the predominant ideas and values of society.

common knowledge

Implies that the information is widely known and understood by the general public.

standard interpretation

Refers to a widely accepted way of understanding a particular text, event, or concept.

established belief

Highlights the long-standing nature and acceptance of a particular idea or concept.

traditional view

Indicates a perspective that has been held for a significant period, often passed down through generations.

popular perception

Focuses on how something is generally viewed or understood by the public.

prevailing wisdom

Focuses on the widespread acceptance of an idea, emphasizing its popularity and influence.

orthodox belief

Suggests a belief that is in line with the established doctrines or principles of a particular group or system.

dominant narrative

Highlights the most influential or widely accepted story or explanation of events.

FAQs

How can I use "conventional understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "conventional understanding" to introduce a widely accepted idea before presenting a contrasting viewpoint or new information. For example, "The "conventional understanding" is that exercise promotes weight loss, but diet also plays a crucial role."

What phrases can I use instead of "conventional understanding"?

You can use phrases such as "accepted wisdom", "common knowledge", or "prevailing wisdom" as alternatives to "conventional understanding", depending on the specific context.

Is it always accurate to assume a "conventional understanding" exists?

No, it's important to verify that an idea is actually widely accepted before using the phrase "conventional understanding". Sometimes, what seems like common knowledge may be a misconception or an outdated belief.

How does "conventional understanding" differ from "popular opinion"?

"Conventional understanding" refers to a generally accepted belief or knowledge, whereas "popular opinion" reflects the views of a large number of people on a particular issue. The former implies a sense of established knowledge, while the latter suggests widespread agreement, which may not necessarily be based on facts.