despite the common understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "despite the common understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement that contrasts with what is generally accepted or believed. Example: "Despite the common understanding that exercise is always beneficial, some studies suggest it can have negative effects in certain situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Canadians love to police queues they are in for violations of the common understanding.

The Guardian

Andrew Solomon's The Noonday Demon (Chatto, £20) brings humanity and great scholarship to the common understanding of depression.

The Guardian - Books

It was observed that despite the common understandings about the critical weld notches, the crack initiation sites under torsional loading have been shifted from the weld toe and from the surface to the heat affected zone and beneath the surface where high tensile residual stresses exist.

International Journal of Fatigue

The common understanding of the recession is just wrong.

Forbes

The common understanding was, "We feel safe.

Conflict and Health

But, crucially, the workaround depends on a common understanding among the participants, a degree of discretion and judgment.

The New Yorker

Now, everybody is at the table with a common understanding".

The New York Times

The world's wealthy nations must come to a common understanding of the causes of this crisis and a common vision of the future role of financial markets.

The New York Times

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, despite such historical detours as the Korean War, it was on the basis of common understanding of the post-war world political pattern and economic order that had eventually resulted in the restoration of the People's Republic's representation at the UN.

Huffington Post

Despite his attachment to the settlement, he said he backs Mr. Olmert's plan as the first one that can "lead to a common understanding inside Israeli society".

The New York Times

Far from promoting common understanding, media outlets have actively fueled resentment in the last few years.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "despite the common understanding", ensure that you clearly articulate what the common understanding is before presenting the contrasting information. This provides context and strengthens your claim.

Common error

Avoid vagueness by explicitly stating what the "common understanding" is that you are challenging. Failing to do so can confuse your audience and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "despite the common understanding" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a contrasting element or a concession. It sets up a statement that goes against what is generally accepted or believed. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and serves to introduce a counterpoint.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "despite the common understanding" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a contrast with a generally held belief, as confirmed by Ludwig. While not frequently encountered, it effectively sets up a nuanced perspective, which is useful in analytical contexts. When using this phrase, remember to clearly state the "common understanding" you're addressing to avoid vagueness. Considering the alternatives like "contrary to popular belief" can help tailor your message for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrary to popular belief

This alternative emphasizes a direct opposition to widespread opinions.

regardless of popular opinion

This alternative underscores a lack of concern for what most people think.

in defiance of common wisdom

This phrase suggests a deliberate disregard for conventional knowledge.

irrespective of common knowledge

This phrase indicates that the information is true whether or not it is known by many people.

in spite of prevailing thought

This phrase highlights the strength of the opposing view despite a dominant idea.

notwithstanding general perception

This alternative formally acknowledges and then sets aside a prevalent view.

disregarding widespread assumptions

This emphasizes that one is intentionally not taking into account what is commonly assumed.

even though it's generally believed

This option acknowledges widespread acceptance before introducing a contrasting point.

although it is widely accepted

Similar to the previous phrase, this one concedes common agreement before presenting a different perspective.

against the grain of conventional thinking

This alternative suggests an opposition of mainstream, accepted thought or wisdom.

FAQs

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

You can use "despite the common understanding" to introduce a statement that contradicts a widely held belief. For example: "Despite the common understanding that all fats are bad, some are essential for good health."

What are some alternatives to "despite the common understanding"?

Alternatives include "contrary to popular belief", "in defiance of common wisdom", or "notwithstanding general perception".

Is it correct to say "in spite of the common understanding"?

Yes, "in spite of the common understanding" is grammatically correct and carries a similar meaning to "despite the common understanding". Both phrases introduce information that contrasts with a generally accepted idea.

What is the difference between "despite the common understanding" and "because of the common understanding"?

"Despite the common understanding" introduces a contrast, while "because of the common understanding" indicates a cause-and-effect relationship. For example, "Despite the common understanding that sugar is bad for you, many people still consume it daily" shows a contrast, while "Because of the common understanding that sugar is bad for you, many people are trying to reduce their intake" indicates a reason for behavior.