conventional wisdom

USAGE SUMMARY

"conventional wisdom" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to widely accepted beliefs or ideas. For example, "It is conventional wisdom that a college degree is essential to finding a good job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's the conventional wisdom.

The New York Times

It goes against conventional wisdom.

The New Yorker

The conventional wisdom says otherwise.

The New York Times

That's not the conventional wisdom.

The New York Times

This is the conventional wisdom.

The Economist

The early conventional wisdom?

The New York Times

They convey conventional wisdom.

The New York Times - Books

(Conventional wisdom usually is).

The New York Times

Conventional wisdom is right.

The Guardian - Books

Conventional wisdom viewed that division as permanent.

The Economist

But is the conventional wisdom right?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conventional wisdom" to introduce a viewpoint that is commonly accepted but potentially flawed or oversimplified. This sets the stage for critical analysis or the presentation of alternative perspectives.

Common error

Avoid presenting "conventional wisdom" as an irrefutable truth without providing supporting evidence or acknowledging potential counterarguments. Always encourage critical thinking and further investigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conventional wisdom" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a set of widely held beliefs or ideas, often implying that these beliefs may be questionable or oversimplified. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conventional wisdom" is a common noun phrase used to describe widely accepted beliefs or ideas, often with the implication that they may be oversimplified or even incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, be mindful of presenting it as a starting point for critical analysis rather than an unquestionable truth. Alternatives such as "popular belief" or "received wisdom" can offer subtle variations in meaning. By understanding its nuances and potential pitfalls, you can effectively use "conventional wisdom" to enhance the depth and originality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conventional thought

Refers to traditional or standard ways of thinking about something.

received wisdom

Conveys the idea that knowledge has been passed down and is often unquestioned.

popular belief

Focuses on the widespread acceptance of an idea, omitting the potential for it to be questioned.

common knowledge

Emphasizes the accessibility and presumed understanding of information within a group.

widely held notion

Focuses on the broad acceptance of a concept, without necessarily implying its accuracy.

prevailing opinion

Highlights the dominant viewpoint on a particular subject at a specific time.

general consensus

Highlights agreement among a group of people regarding a particular issue.

accepted norm

Implies a standard or pattern of behavior or thought that is generally agreed upon.

established view

Suggests that a perspective has been held for a significant period and is well-recognized.

mainstream thinking

Indicates ideas that are considered typical or ordinary within a society.

FAQs

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

You can use "conventional wisdom" to introduce a belief that is widely accepted, such as: "The "conventional wisdom" is that a college degree guarantees a successful career, but this isn't always the case."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "conventional wisdom"?

You can use alternatives like "popular belief", "common knowledge", or "received wisdom" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to challenge "conventional wisdom" in my writing?

Yes, challenging "conventional wisdom" can add depth and originality to your writing. It demonstrates critical thinking and encourages readers to question assumptions. However, ensure you provide solid evidence and reasoning to support your counterarguments.

What's the difference between "conventional wisdom" and "common sense"?

"Conventional wisdom" refers to widely accepted beliefs that may or may not be accurate, while "common sense" refers to practical judgment based on everyday experiences. "Conventional wisdom" can sometimes contradict "common sense".