it is generally thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is generally thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a common belief or opinion that is widely accepted by people. Example: "It is generally thought 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" thought that inspiration and expiration are generated by two independent, yet interacting oscillators.

eLife

Its cause is unknown, though it is generally thought to be a combination of genetic and non-genetic factors.

Huffington Post

It is generally thought that gene duplication is a primary source for generating organismal complexity.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Nevertheless, it is generally thought that conventional mutational male bias should increase with generation time, metabolic rate and sperm competition.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

It is generally thought that certain sexual preferences are also learned, by one technique or another.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is generally thought that the poem is incomplete, though that consensus is still hotly disputed.

Independent

Consequently, it is generally thought that the physiocrats were opposed to government intervention.

The Economist

It is generally thought that this has imposed a size limit upon insects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is generally thought that birds tuck their beaks under the feathers to reduce heat loss from their bills.

The New York Times

It is generally thought that Asian drama, like that of the West, had its beginnings in religious festivals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is generally thought that brown dwarfs are formed, like stars, in the collapse of a heavy molecular cloud.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is generally thought" to introduce ideas or opinions that are widely accepted but not necessarily proven facts. Be sure to support the statement with evidence or context.

Common error

Avoid using "it is generally thought" as a standalone statement without offering supporting evidence or context. Provide specific examples or reasons why the idea is widely accepted to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is generally thought" functions as an introductory expression to present a common belief or widely held opinion. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is often used to preface statements that are not necessarily proven facts but are widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

59%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is generally thought" is a versatile expression used to introduce widely held beliefs or common opinions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in both formal and informal writing, particularly in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context and supporting evidence to strengthen your statements. Consider alternatives like "it is widely believed" or "it is commonly accepted" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is widely believed

Emphasizes the breadth of belief, suggesting a larger consensus.

it is commonly accepted

Focuses on the acceptance of an idea as standard or typical.

it is generally accepted

Similar to "widely believed" but emphasizes formal or official acceptance.

it is broadly assumed

Highlights that the idea is taken for granted or presupposed.

the prevailing view is

Presents the idea as the dominant perspective or understanding.

the common understanding is

Stresses a shared and widespread interpretation or knowledge.

it is the prevailing wisdom

Implies the idea is a well-established and trusted belief.

it is a common assumption

Highlights that the idea is often taken as true without proof.

people generally think

A more direct and informal way to express the same idea.

it is a widespread notion

Focuses on the extensiveness of the belief.

FAQs

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

Use "it is generally thought" to introduce a widely held belief or opinion. For example, "It is generally thought that exercise is beneficial for health."

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

You can use alternatives like "it is widely believed", "it is commonly accepted", or "the prevailing view is" depending on the context.

Is "it is generally thought" formal or informal?

"It is generally thought" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic writing.

What's the difference between "it is generally thought" and "it is generally known"?

"It is generally thought" implies a belief or opinion, while "it is generally known" suggests a well-established fact. Use "it is generally known" when referring to widely recognized information.