popular consciousness

USAGE SUMMARY

"popular consciousness" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when discussing a general, shared understanding among members of a community or society, such as a shared set of values. For example: "The idea of equality is part of the popular consciousness in modern democracies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— popular consciousness.

The New York Times

Yet the issue is quietly slipping from the popular consciousness.

The Economist

The lesson never really penetrated the popular consciousness.

The New York Times - Health

"They raised the popular consciousness of design," Fiell said.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it could no longer dominate the popular consciousness as it once did.

The Washington Post

The traditions of democratic self-governance are powerful in our civics textbooks and in popular consciousness.

The Economist

Perhaps it isn't surprising, then, that the discipline continues to expand into popular consciousness.

Independent

Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle's Sherlock Holmes has remained in the popular consciousness for nearly 125 years.

Independent

But the Singing Postman did not entirely disappear from popular consciousness.

The Guardian

"I guess, you know, I was in something that became part of the popular consciousness.

The Guardian - Film

This week, we spoke about the blackout's place in popular consciousness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about niche topics, consider whether "popular consciousness" accurately reflects the extent of awareness. If the topic is not widely known, phrases like "among experts" or "within a specific community" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "popular consciousness" to describe short-lived trends or fads. Ensure that the concept or idea has achieved a level of lasting recognition and integration into societal thought, rather than being a temporary phenomenon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "popular consciousness" primarily functions as a noun phrase, referring to the collective awareness, knowledge, and beliefs of a population. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound, making it suitable for describing shared societal understandings. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its role in discussing how ideas penetrate public thought.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "popular consciousness" is a valid and frequently used phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, referring to the shared knowledge and beliefs within a society. It's commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific publications, indicating its suitability for describing widely understood concepts. To ensure proper usage, avoid using the phrase for fleeting trends, and consider related phrases like "public awareness" for similar meanings. Remember that, while the phrase is generally acceptable across different registers, you might want to use more technical terms depending on your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public awareness

Focuses on the state of being informed among the general public.

common knowledge

Refers to information widely known and accepted by a community.

collective understanding

Highlights the shared comprehension within a group.

general awareness

Emphasizes a broad understanding across a population.

prevailing sentiment

Refers to the dominant feeling or opinion held by many.

societal perception

Focuses on how society views a particular issue or concept.

public perception

Similar to societal perception, but with a focus on visibility.

shared belief

Highlights the communal acceptance of an idea or concept.

cultural awareness

Relates to the understanding and appreciation of cultural norms and values.

widespread belief

Indicates that a belief is held by a large portion of the population.

FAQs

How can I use "popular consciousness" in a sentence?

You can use "popular consciousness" to discuss widespread beliefs or awareness. For example: "The environmental movement raised the "popular consciousness" of climate change."

What's a similar phrase to "popular consciousness"?

Alternatives include "public awareness", "common knowledge", or "collective understanding", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of shared knowledge.

Is "popular consciousness" formal or informal?

"Popular consciousness" is generally suitable for both formal and informal writing, particularly when discussing cultural or societal perspectives. However, consider your audience; in highly technical contexts, more specific terms might be preferable.

How does "popular consciousness" differ from "public opinion"?

"Popular consciousness" refers to the overall awareness and understanding of a topic, while "public opinion" focuses on the attitudes and beliefs held by the public. One reflects knowledge, the other reflects judgment.