general belief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general belief" is correct and can be used in written English to refer to a widely-held opinion or assumption.
For example, "It is the general belief that humans are the most intelligent species on the planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Whitshanks didn't die, was the family's general belief.

The Guardian - Books

The latter fact led to the general belief that Rembrandt printed his etchings himself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although that is the general belief, some say that each title brings its own challenges.

The New York Times - Sports

Contrary to general belief, the $2 bill is not being withdrawn from circulation.

The New Yorker

Dr. Jones also found that, contrary to general belief, psychological health in adolescence was not shaky.

The New York Times - Health

There was this general belief that athletes were getting something that they were not getting".

The New York Times

This is an extension of my general belief: "Do not disturb a complex system".

The Guardian - Opinion

There is a general belief that tampons are not good for women's health.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Efforts by the Dreyfus family to reopen the case were frustrated by the general belief that justice had been done.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The general belief is that side-to-side movement and flexibility are the keys to frustrating Trinidad.

The New York Times - Sports

Formulated in collaboration with William Fowler, nucleogenesis overthrew the general belief that all elements were created in the primordial universe.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "general belief", ensure it accurately reflects a widespread view and not just a personal opinion. Support with evidence or examples when possible to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "general belief" to describe a view held only by a small group. Verify that the belief is genuinely widespread before characterizing it as such to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general belief" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It identifies a concept or idea that is broadly accepted or assumed to be true.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "general belief" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that denotes a widely held opinion or assumption. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is acceptable for use in formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the belief is genuinely widespread. Alternatives like "common opinion" or "prevailing view" can be used for variety. Avoid overstating the prevalence of a belief and support it with evidence when possible to maintain credibility. This phrase appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common opinion

Focuses on the opinion being widely held, rather than the belief itself.

popular belief

A common or widely held thought that may or may not be accurate.

prevailing view

Highlights the dominance of the belief within a specific context.

widely held view

Emphasizes the broad acceptance and agreement on a particular perspective.

popular perception

Refers to how something is commonly understood or viewed by the public.

conventional wisdom

Implies that the belief has been established over time and is generally accepted without question.

accepted wisdom

Highlights the widespread acceptance of an idea or explanation.

public consensus

Indicates a broad agreement among the public on a particular issue or idea.

common knowledge

Suggests the belief is so well-known that it is considered a basic fact.

general understanding

Focuses on the shared comprehension and agreement regarding a concept or situation.

FAQs

What does "general belief" mean?

"General belief" refers to a widely held opinion, assumption, or understanding within a particular group or society.

How can I use "general belief" in a sentence?

You can use "general belief" to introduce a commonly held idea, as in "The "general belief" is that exercise improves health."

What are some alternatives to "general belief"?

Alternatives include "common opinion", "prevailing view", or "widely held view" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to challenge a "general belief" in writing?

Yes, challenging a "general belief" can be a strong argumentative strategy, especially when you have evidence to the contrary. Be sure to present your opposing viewpoint respectfully and with supporting data.