conventional wisdom that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conventional wisdom that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to widely accepted beliefs or ideas that are generally considered to be true. Example: "The conventional wisdom that hard work guarantees success is often challenged by the realities of privilege and opportunity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In terms of challenging conventional wisdom, that was a hard act to follow.

The Economist

It is a bit of conventional wisdom that undecided voters seek comity in their leaders.

The New York Times

The situation seems to defy the conventional wisdom that saw diesel cars heading to history's scrapyard.

The New York Times

This is a bunch of Washington-insider conventional wisdom that makes no sense.

The New Yorker

But what of the conventional wisdom that Android users won't download apps?

TechCrunch

However, Trump has an opportunity to dramatically reshape a conventional wisdom that has consistently failed America.

Huffington Post

Many times, it isn't the punditry, political class and conventional wisdom that decide the outcome.

Huffington Post

I had forgotten to keep challenging a conventional wisdom that has sprouted recently, particularly from the Blue Lives Matter crowd.

Vice

Our results challenge "the conventional wisdom" that placebo effects require "intentional ignorance".

Plosone

Do the results support the conventional wisdom that outcomes improve more after fusion than after non-surgical care?

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

It is conventional wisdom that newspapers are a fading enterprise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be aware that using "conventional wisdom that" can imply a critical distance, suggesting that the idea may not be entirely accurate or complete.

Common error

Avoid using "conventional wisdom that" when the idea is actually contested or debated within specific communities. Ensure that it truly represents a widely held belief before using the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conventional wisdom that" serves as an introductory device to present a commonly held belief or assumption. Ludwig AI shows that this is often followed by a clause that either supports or challenges the stated wisdom. It acts as a discourse marker signaling a widely accepted idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "conventional wisdom that" is a widely used introductory element that presents a commonly held belief or assumption. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in News & Media and Science contexts. While useful for setting the stage for discussing established ideas, it's important to ensure the labeled "wisdom" is indeed broadly accepted and not simply an outdated or incorrect notion. Alternatives like "prevailing belief that" or "accepted knowledge that" can offer similar nuances. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it appropriate for various formal and professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevailing belief that

Replaces "conventional wisdom" with "prevailing belief", emphasizing the widespread acceptance of the idea.

accepted knowledge that

Substitutes "conventional wisdom" with "accepted knowledge", highlighting the understanding is already validated.

common understanding that

Emphasizes a shared interpretation or comprehension of a particular idea or concept.

general consensus that

Focuses on the agreement among people regarding a particular viewpoint or idea.

widely held view that

Highlights that the opinion is broadly popular or embraced by many individuals.

established notion that

Suggests the idea has been around for some time and is well-recognized.

the common perception that

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

it is generally thought that

Offers a more impersonal way to present the same idea, emphasizing broad acceptance.

the popular opinion that

Highlights the popularity of the idea, suggesting it is favored by many people.

the going theory that

Replaces "conventional wisdom" with "going theory", framing the idea as an explanatory model currently in vogue.

FAQs

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

You can use "conventional wisdom that" to introduce a belief or idea that is widely accepted, as in, "The "conventional wisdom that" hard work guarantees success is often challenged by systemic inequalities."

What are some alternatives to "conventional wisdom that"?

Alternatives include "prevailing belief that", "accepted knowledge that", or "common understanding that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to label something as "conventional wisdom that"?

Not necessarily. The phrase suggests widespread acceptance, but it's crucial to verify if the idea is truly held by a majority and if it's supported by evidence. Sometimes, "conventional wisdom" can be outdated or simply incorrect.

How does "conventional wisdom that" differ from "popular opinion that"?

"Conventional wisdom that" implies a longer-standing, somewhat established belief, while "popular opinion that" suggests a more current and possibly fleeting viewpoint. The first often has a sense of tradition, the second, of immediacy.