despite the common assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "despite the common assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement that contradicts or challenges widely held beliefs or perceptions. Example: "Despite the common assumption that all cats hate water, many actually enjoy playing in it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Richard DeKaser, chief economist at the National City Corporation, a Cleveland bank, is skeptical that the economy is headed for a recession, despite the common assumption that it is.

The New York Times

Despite the common assumption that the 457 program requires employers to recruit local workers before sponsoring a worker, there is no such obligation – the program does not have a labour market testing requirement.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite the common assumption that the counterpart to Mahayana is pre-Mahayana Buddhism, the differences between Mahayana and non-Mahayana Buddhism are usually more a matter of degree and emphasis than of basic opposition.

Britannica

We observed that the largest capacity values were achieved at LOS propagation despite the common assumption of a degenerated MIMO channel in LOS.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

First, despite the common assumption that people always want more, the will to consume as much as possible cannot be taken for granted even in a so-called consumer society.

HuffPost

Despite the common assumption that men who pay for sex are looking to dominate or hurt a woman, data suggests this is not the case; most men paying for sex truly believe a prostitute wants or desires sex on a level incomparable to most other women including wives and significant others.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Despite of the common assumption that LOS is the only choice at very high frequencies like E-band, in [10], the authors show that NLOS radio connections are possible provided that antennas with large gains are available to compensate for path losses.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The common assumption is that elites are always hiding something.

The New York Times

The night seemed to upend the common assumption that young Russians are apathetic.

The New Yorker

A new study questions the common assumption that search engines control the hierarchy of the Internet.

MIT Technology Review

The common assumption that the chemicals we apply to our skins are inert needs further study.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "despite the common assumption" to introduce a surprising fact or argument that challenges a widely held belief. This can add nuance and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "despite the common assumption" when the assumption is not genuinely widespread. Overusing this phrase for minor or niche beliefs weakens its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "despite the common assumption" functions as an introductory phrase or discourse marker. It signals a contrast or contradiction to a widely held belief or expectation. Ludwig's analysis confirms its role in setting up counter-arguments or surprising facts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "despite the common assumption" serves as a crucial tool for writers aiming to challenge prevailing beliefs and introduce nuanced perspectives. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and demonstrates its usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While not as frequent as other phrases, its specific function makes it a valuable asset for crafting well-reasoned arguments. To maximize its effectiveness, ensure that the assumption you're addressing is genuinely widespread and that the information you present offers a significant counterpoint. By using "despite the common assumption" judiciously, you can add depth and complexity to your writing, engaging your audience with fresh insights and perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrary to popular belief

This alternative is a more concise and widely recognized way of expressing the same sentiment, focusing on popular opinion.

in contrast to general expectations

This alternative highlights the element of expectation that is being defied.

notwithstanding the prevailing notion

This alternative uses more formal language and emphasizes the existing idea being challenged.

regardless of what is commonly thought

This alternative directly addresses the common thought or understanding, making the contrast explicit.

even though it's generally believed

This alternative uses a more conversational tone to express the contrast.

despite what most people think

This is a simpler and more direct way of saying the same thing.

against the grain of conventional wisdom

This alternative emphasizes the idea that the statement goes against established knowledge.

disregarding the widespread understanding

This option highlights that the common understanding is being intentionally set aside.

in defiance of accepted knowledge

This alternative suggests a more assertive rejection of accepted knowledge.

counter to the prevailing view

This alternative is straightforward and emphasizes the clash with the prevailing view.

FAQs

How can I use "despite the common assumption" in a sentence?

Use "despite the common assumption" to introduce information that contradicts a widely held, but potentially inaccurate, belief. For example: "Despite the common assumption that all sharks are dangerous to humans, most species are harmless."

What phrases are similar to "despite the common assumption"?

Alternatives include "contrary to popular belief", "in contrast to general expectations", or "regardless of what is commonly thought", which all serve to introduce a statement that challenges a prevailing idea.

Is it better to use "despite the common assumption" or "contrary to popular belief"?

Both phrases are acceptable. "Despite the common assumption" may be preferred when you want to specifically highlight that you are addressing an assumption, while "contrary to popular belief" is suitable for more general statements.

What makes "despite the common assumption" effective in writing?

It's effective because it immediately signals to the reader that you're about to present information that deviates from what they might expect, creating curiosity and making your argument more compelling.