it is generally believed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is generally believed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a widely accepted opinion or belief among a group of people or in a particular field. Example: "It is generally believed that regular exercise contributes to better mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is generally believed that once a cell has differentiated its fate is determined and stable.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

It is generally believed that SDF-1 mediates cell migration through its binding with CXCR4.

BioMed Research International

It is generally believed here that power is Germany.

The New York Times

It is generally believed that the police overlooked other bombs.

The New York Times

It is generally believed that Mr. Arnault's daughter Delphine was influential in the choice.

The New York Times

MODERN life, it is generally believed, is cruel to the old.

The Economist

It is generally believed that the nature of the ballot influences a voter's choice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is generally believed that his tact reduced personal animosities that had arisen on the court.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is generally believed to have 15 to 20 bases in Iraq.

The New York Times

It is generally believed that and.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

It is generally believed these patches come about after severe disturbance.

Applied Soil Ecology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is generally believed", ensure that you're representing a widely accepted view. If the belief is contentious, acknowledge differing perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "it is generally believed" when the idea is only accepted within a niche group or if there's significant evidence to the contrary. Be prepared to support the claim with evidence or qualifiers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is generally believed" functions as an introductory expression. It serves to present a statement as a commonly held opinion or assumption. Ludwig examples showcase its use across varied contexts, reinforcing its role in signaling widespread acceptance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

26%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is generally believed" is a versatile phrase used to introduce commonly held beliefs or assumptions. According to Ludwig, it appears frequently across diverse sources, including scientific publications, news articles, and encyclopedias, showcasing its widespread use. While grammatically correct, ensure that the belief you're presenting is indeed widely accepted and be prepared to support it, or acknowledge any alternative perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is widely accepted

Emphasizes broad agreement or endorsement more strongly than the original phrase.

it is commonly thought

Highlights the aspect of thinking or consideration rather than strict belief.

it is broadly understood

Focuses on comprehension and general knowledge rather than belief.

the prevailing view is

Presents the idea as a dominant perspective.

the general consensus is

Stresses agreement among a group.

it is the conventional wisdom

Implies the idea is a long-standing and widely held belief.

people generally assume

Indicates a presumption made by most people.

it's a common assumption

Highlights the idea as a shared, often unexamined, belief.

the established view is

Suggests that this view has been accepted for a long time and is unlikely to change.

most people consider

Emphasizes individual consideration leading to a collective opinion.

FAQs

How can I use "it is generally believed" in a sentence?

You can use "it is generally believed" to introduce a commonly held idea or assumption. For example, "it is generally believed that exercise is good for you".

What are some alternatives to "it is generally believed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is widely accepted", "it is commonly thought", or "the prevailing view is", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "it is generally believed" or "it is widely known"?

The choice depends on the context. "It is widely known" suggests something is factual and well-established, whereas "it is generally believed" implies a common opinion that may or may not be definitively proven.

What's the difference between "it is generally believed" and "it is often said"?

"It is generally believed" refers to a widespread conviction or assumption. "It is often said" simply indicates a frequently repeated statement, which may or may not be truly believed or accurate.