it was generally accepted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was generally accepted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a particular idea or belief was widely recognized or acknowledged by a group of people at a certain time. Example: "In the early 20th century, it was generally accepted that the Earth was the center of the universe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The requirement for the new brake light, primarily affecting 1986 models, was issued by the Reagan Administration despite its emphasis on deregulation, and it was generally accepted by auto makers.

Los Angeles Times

It was generally accepted that additional assessment of personality is not needed before acceptance into an interdisciplinary module (84.9% 'No').

BMC Medical Education

Further, until recently it was generally accepted that PFCs are entirely of anthropogenic origin.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It was generally accepted that non-doms should not be made peers.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was generally accepted by the early 1960s that proton beam radiosurgery was too complex and impractical.

Progress in Brain Research

It was generally accepted in the trade that women readers were the main market for most fiction.

The Guardian - Books

It was generally accepted on the Tory benches, and elsewhere, that Osborne had "no room for manoeuvre".

The Guardian - Opinion

Although Turbonegro were officially on hiatus, it was generally accepted that the band were no longer a going concern.

The Guardian - Music

By the late 1840s, it was generally accepted that urban graveyards were a danger to human health.

The Guardian

Until the late 1970s it was generally accepted that all bacteria are closely related in evolutionary development.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In college, Wang aspired to emigrate to America-- It wAmerica-- It America-- Itt the U.S. had streets paved wash generallye saccepted began working on her English.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was generally accepted" to introduce a concept or belief that was widely held at a specific time, especially when discussing historical shifts in understanding or perspectives.

Common error

Be wary of using "it was generally accepted" without providing context or evidence. Ensure that the claim is supported by historical or factual data to avoid making unsubstantiated generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was generally accepted" functions as an introductory expression, used to set the stage for discussing ideas or beliefs that were prevalent or standard during a particular period or within a specific community. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its common usage in introducing historical contexts or shifts in perspectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

44%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was generally accepted" is a versatile expression used to introduce ideas or beliefs that were widely held at a specific time. Ludwig AI affirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts. Its primary function is to establish a shared understanding of past or present perspectives, especially when contrasting them with current views. Although suitable for both formal and informal writing, this phrase frequently appears in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts. To enhance clarity, avoid overgeneralization by providing context and evidence to support the claim.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was generally recognized

Replaces "accepted" with "recognized", suggesting a broader acknowledgment rather than explicit agreement. This shifts the focus to awareness more than approval.

it was widely believed

Substitutes "accepted" with "believed", focusing on popular opinion or faith rather than a formal consensus.

it was commonly acknowledged

Uses "acknowledged" instead of "accepted", indicating a shared understanding or admission, possibly without full endorsement.

it was generally understood

Emphasizes comprehension rather than acceptance, implying that something was broadly clear or assumed.

it was broadly agreed

Replaces "accepted" with "agreed", signifying a more active consensus or agreement among people.

the prevailing view was

Presents the idea as the dominant or most common perspective at the time.

it was the established wisdom

Suggests that the idea was part of a set of accepted truths or principles.

it was the conventional wisdom

Implies that the idea was part of a set of unwritten rules or standards.

it was the norm

Indicates the idea followed standard pattern of behavior or thought.

it was the prevailing thought

Replaces "accepted" with "thought", focusing on popular mindsets or perspectives.

FAQs

What does "it was generally accepted" mean?

The phrase "it was generally accepted" means that a particular idea, belief, or practice was widely recognized and agreed upon by a majority of people within a specific context or time period.

How can I use "it was generally accepted" in a sentence?

You can use "it was generally accepted" to introduce a viewpoint that was common in the past, such as "In the 19th century, "it was generally accepted" that women should not pursue careers in science".

What are some alternatives to "it was generally accepted"?

You can use alternatives like "it was widely believed", "it was commonly acknowledged", or "it was generally understood" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was generally accepted" formal or informal?

"It was generally accepted" is considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it appears more frequently in academic, news, and business writing.