preconceived ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

"preconceived ideas" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to ideas or beliefs that a person has formed before examining all the available information or evidence. Example: The politician's speeches were full of preconceived ideas about immigration, and he refused to listen to any opposing viewpoints.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No preconceived ideas allowed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

People have preconceived ideas.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Don't have any preconceived ideas.

Independent

Old preconceived ideas must remain ditched.

The Guardian - Sport

And some of those preconceived ideas were always false.

The Economist

"Well, just don't have too many preconceived ideas.

The New Yorker

Preconceived ideas and conclusions on Eritrea have become rampant".

The Guardian

They have their preconceived ideas so there's conflict".

The Guardian - Film

She has no preconceived ideas of what she wants.

The New Yorker

"I am not setting out with any preconceived ideas.

The Guardian

It didn't seem that people had preconceived ideas about him because he's a hedge-fund guy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for objectivity, actively question your own "preconceived ideas" to ensure a balanced and unbiased perspective in your writing.

Common error

Avoid writing as though your "preconceived ideas" are universally shared. Clearly articulate your assumptions to ensure your audience understands your perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preconceived ideas" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, denoting pre-existing notions or beliefs someone holds.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preconceived ideas" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe pre-existing notions or beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent appearance in various contexts. As evidenced by the analysis, it is most prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Lifestyle content, emphasizing the importance of identifying and mitigating biases for objective understanding. The phrase encourages critical thinking and open-mindedness, crucial for effective communication and decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preconceived notions

A close synonym that stresses the unexamined nature of these ideas.

pre-established viewpoints

Similar to "preconceived ideas" but puts more emphasis on having a perspective or point of view.

preformed opinions

Focuses on the opinions aspect of ideas that have been formed in advance.

prior assumptions

Emphasizes the aspect of assumptions formed before having complete information.

existing biases

Highlights the inherent biases that influence one's thinking.

set opinions

Implies a firm and potentially inflexible viewpoint.

established beliefs

Stresses the aspect of pre-existing beliefs that are already held.

prior expectations

Highlights anticipation and what is expected beforehand.

fixed mindsets

Emphasizes rigidity and resistance to change in thinking.

predetermined conclusions

Focuses on the outcome being decided in advance.

FAQs

How to use "preconceived ideas" in a sentence?

You can use "preconceived ideas" to describe assumptions or biases someone has before knowing all the facts. For example: "It is important to approach new situations without "preconceived ideas"".

What can I say instead of "preconceived ideas"?

You can use alternatives like "prior assumptions", "existing biases", or "preconceived notions" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "preconceived ideas" and "preconceived notions"?

While similar, "preconceived ideas" is a broader term for assumptions, whereas "preconceived notions" often implies beliefs based on less evidence.

Are "preconceived ideas" always negative?

Not necessarily. While often associated with bias, "preconceived ideas" can also stem from past experiences that provide helpful, though potentially incomplete, context.