conventional view

USAGE SUMMARY

"conventional view" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can generally use it to refer to widely-held opinions which are generally accepted by a large majority of people. Example: "The conventional view of historical events is often one-sided and overlooks the influence of certain groups."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That, at least, is the conventional view.

The Guardian

In the conventional view, democracy begins with the voters.

The New York Times

The conventional view is that legacy preferences are perfectly lawful.

The New York Times

Gowers itched to break the shackles of the conventional view.

Independent

The conventional view is that we are almost there.

The New York Times - Magazine

President Trump's election upended the conventional view of U.S. class politics.

The Washington Post

The conventional view is that the firm should assess its resources and match resources with opportunities.

Harvard Business Review

The conventional view sees the role of carbon dioxide as far more important.

The Guardian

But here's the thing: the conventional view of gravity leads to a different equation.

MIT Technology Review

Nor are Murdoch's politics as simple as the conventional view of him suggests.

The New Yorker

The conventional view holds that such work differs from fine art as birdsong does from opera.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conventional view" when you want to refer to a belief or idea that is widely accepted but may not necessarily be accurate or complete. It's often used to introduce a contrasting or challenging perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "conventional view" simply as a placeholder without actually understanding the underlying belief or considering alternative viewpoints. Always strive for a nuanced and informed perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conventional view" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, introducing a commonly held belief or perspective. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "conventional view" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to introduce a widely accepted belief or perspective. Ludwig confirms its usability and correctness in written English. As evidenced by the numerous examples, it's frequently used in news, academic, and scientific contexts, often to set the stage for a contrasting argument or alternative viewpoint. When using this phrase, be mindful of overreliance and ensure a nuanced understanding of the belief it represents. Consider alternatives like "prevailing wisdom" or "accepted wisdom" for subtle variations in meaning. Remember to critically evaluate the "conventional view" and avoid simply accepting it without question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely held opinion

Simply states that the belief is held by a large number of people.

prevailing wisdom

Focuses on the wisdom aspect of the commonly held belief, highlighting its perceived intelligence or insight.

accepted wisdom

Emphasizes the acceptance and agreement surrounding the belief, suggesting it's widely undisputed.

established belief

Highlights the long-standing nature of the belief, indicating it has been held for a considerable time.

common knowledge

Suggests the belief is widely known and understood by most people.

general consensus

Emphasizes the agreement among a group of people regarding the belief.

mainstream thinking

Indicates the belief is part of the dominant or most prevalent way of thinking.

orthodox viewpoint

Implies the belief is traditional and conforms to established doctrines or principles.

popular notion

Highlights the widespread popularity and acceptance of the belief among the general public.

traditional perspective

Focuses on the historical and time-honored nature of the belief.

FAQs

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

You can use "conventional view" to introduce a generally accepted idea before presenting a different perspective. For example, "The "conventional view" is that exercise is essential for weight loss, but diet plays an equally important role."

What are some alternatives to "conventional view"?

Alternatives include "prevailing wisdom", "accepted wisdom", or "widely held opinion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to challenge the "conventional view"?

While critical thinking is valuable, it's important to base your challenges to the "conventional view" on solid evidence and logical reasoning. Avoid dismissing established ideas without proper justification.

What's the difference between "conventional view" and "popular belief"?

"Conventional view" often implies a more formal or established idea, while "popular belief" can refer to any widespread notion, regardless of its validity or basis in fact.