is commonly believed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is commonly believed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you want to refer to a commonly held opinion or belief. For example, "It is commonly believed that certain foods can help to prevent heart disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And dredging is not as effective as is commonly believed.

The Economist

(Although Ms. Escalanti is an American Indian, she is commonly believed to be white).

The New York Times

(It is commonly believed that Chomsky never sleeps, but this is not the case).

The New Yorker

(Malthus) Third, it is commonly believed that individual people can change the economy around.

University of California, Berkeley

Workplace danger is spread across a far wider array of industries than is commonly believed.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is commonly believed lifting is dangerous and the back should be straight during lifting.

Musculoskeletal Science and Practice

It is commonly believed that cancer is a multistage, polygenic disease.

Mutation Research-Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis

It is commonly believed that the peer-review process is reliable and consistent.

The Spine Journal

Endometriosis is commonly believed to originate from functionalis endometrium and adenomyosis from basalis endometrium.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

Witchcraft is commonly believed in, along with a variety of pagan or semipagan supernatural creatures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The degree of control that people actually have over their obesity is drastically more limited than is commonly believed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is commonly believed" when introducing a concept or idea that is generally accepted but may not be entirely accurate or supported by evidence. This phrasing allows you to present a common viewpoint before offering a nuanced perspective or counter-argument.

Common error

Avoid using "is commonly believed" when referring to niche or highly specific knowledge. Ensure the belief you're referencing is genuinely widespread and not limited to a particular group or field.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is commonly believed" functions as an introductory expression, setting the stage to present a prevalent notion, often followed by a contrasting perspective. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is commonly believed" serves as a pivotal linguistic tool, particularly in introducing concepts that are widely held but potentially lack definitive evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and versatile, appearing frequently across diverse fields like science, news, and academia. Its purpose is to present a prevalent idea before offering nuanced perspectives or counter-arguments. While often employed in neutral and formal contexts, remember to ensure that the belief is genuinely widespread and not confined to specific groups to avoid overgeneralizations. By understanding its nuances, you can enhance your writing and engage your audience effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is widely accepted

Focuses on the broad agreement or endorsement of an idea.

is generally thought

Emphasizes the thinking or perception of most people.

is popularly understood

Highlights a common level of understanding among the public.

is conventionally assumed

Suggests that the belief is based on tradition or convention.

is often presumed

Implies the belief is taken for granted without concrete evidence.

is traditionally considered

Indicates that the belief has been held for a long time.

is largely perceived

Focuses on the way something is viewed by most people.

is a prevalent notion

Highlights how widespread the idea is.

is a common assumption

Suggests that belief is taken for granted without proof.

is rumored

Suggests the belief might not be based on facts or evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "is commonly believed" in a sentence?

Use "is commonly believed" to introduce a generally held idea, often followed by a contrasting or clarifying statement. For example, "It "is commonly believed" that exercise always leads to weight loss, but diet plays a significant role as well."

What are some alternatives to "is commonly believed"?

You can use alternatives like "is widely accepted", "is generally thought", or "is popularly understood" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "is commonly believed" even if the belief is incorrect?

Yes, "is commonly believed" is often used to introduce a misconception before correcting it. It's a way to acknowledge a widespread belief before presenting evidence to the contrary.

What's the difference between "is commonly believed" and "is known"?

"Is commonly believed" refers to a belief that is widely held, but not necessarily proven. "Is known" implies established fact or evidence. Using "is known" suggests a higher degree of certainty.