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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
is generally believed
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'is generally believed' is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a widely accepted idea, opinion, or assumption. For example, "It is generally believed that Albert Einstein was one of the most influential scientists of all time."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Genetic variation is generally believed to increase through sexual recombination to generate new allele combinations.
Science
Perfect network security is generally believed to be infeasible.
It is generally believed that the police overlooked other bombs.
News & Media
And that happens more frequently than is generally believed.
News & Media
It is generally believed here that power is Germany.
News & Media
In fact, it is generally believed that Australopithecus evolved in the late Pliocene.
It is generally believed these patches come about after severe disturbance.
Science
The incidence of long QT syndrome (LQTS) is generally believed to be approximately 1 2500 individuals.
Science
It is generally believed that an increase in speed harms road safety.
It is generally believed that the biologic effect originates from silver ions released from the coating.
It is generally believed that all such regimens have an equivalent impact on survival.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using this phrase, be prepared to provide evidence or context. Although it indicates a common belief, supporting information strengthens your argument.
Common error
Avoid using "is generally believed" as a substitute for concrete evidence or research. While it can introduce a topic, always back it up with data or specific examples to avoid weakening your argument.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "is generally believed" functions as an introductory clause to present a common assumption or widely held opinion. It sets the stage for further discussion or analysis, often implying that the following statement may be subject to debate or verification. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and common.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
31%
Academia
12%
Less common in
Formal & Business
3%
Wiki
2%
Encyclopedias
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "is generally believed" is a versatile phrase used to introduce widely accepted ideas or assumptions across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While common in scientific, academic, and news contexts, it's essential to support these statements with evidence to strengthen your argument. Consider alternatives like "is widely accepted" or "is commonly thought" to add nuance to your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
is generally considered
Similar to the original phrase but suggests a more formal or deliberate evaluation.
it is the general consensus
Indicates that there is widespread agreement on a particular matter.
is widely accepted
Focuses on the acceptance of an idea or concept by a broad audience, implying agreement or consensus.
it is generally recognized
Highlights the acknowledgement or awareness of something among a broad audience.
is the common belief
Identifies a specific belief as one that is commonly held within a group or society.
is commonly thought
Highlights the prevalence of a particular thought or idea within a population.
is popularly understood
Emphasizes the general public's comprehension or interpretation of something.
is believed by many
Directly states that a belief is shared among a significant number of people.
is largely presumed
Implies that something is assumed to be true based on probability or likelihood.
is conventionally understood
Focuses on the traditional or established understanding of a topic or concept.
FAQs
How can I use "is generally believed" in a sentence?
You can use "is generally believed" to introduce a common assumption or widespread opinion. For example, "It "is generally believed" that exercise is beneficial for health".
What are some alternatives to "is generally believed"?
Some alternatives include "is widely accepted", "is commonly thought", or "is generally considered", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to say "is generally believed" or "is widely believed"?
Both ""is generally believed"" and "is widely believed" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on stylistic preference, although "is widely believed" might suggest a broader base of acceptance.
When should I avoid using "is generally believed"?
Avoid using "is generally believed" when presenting a novel argument or stating something that contradicts common knowledge. In such cases, it is more effective to provide direct evidence and clear reasoning.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested