preconceived notion

USAGE SUMMARY

"preconceived notion" is a correct phrase and is widely used in written English.
It is used to suggest that someone has an opinion or idea that was formed before they had a chance to consider the evidence. For example, "Many people have a preconceived notion that all clowns are scary, but in reality they are just there to entertain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First, leaders' preconceived notion that they need to appear strong at all times can be an obstacle to showing vulnerability.

Forbes

Which preconceived notion (graffiti) of our generation you want our children to be oblivious to?

HuffPost

All schools make it difficult to change classes due to a personality conflict or preconceived notion about a teacher.

Los Angeles Times

It is sad how we have to classify ourselves into an already preconceived notion of what normal is.

HuffPost

Did we meet mountain men that fulfilled every preconceived notion a New Yorker might have about them?

Vice

My time with these kids shattered every stereotype and every preconceived notion I ever had about "what Arab kids think".

Huffington Post

Women also face the "preconceived notion" that they are focused on other priorities like starting a family.

Huffington Post

"There was no preconceived notion for it.

The New York Times - Sports

I probably had a preconceived notion, and it probably wasn't right".

The New York Times - Sports

… It's our preconceived notion of what normal is that's the problem".

Independent

He admitted he had a preconceived notion that "church women were goody-two-shoes".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing "preconceived notions", be specific about the origin and potential biases influencing them. Providing context allows for a more nuanced and effective discussion.

Common error

Avoid presenting "preconceived notions" as undeniable truths. Always acknowledge them as subjective viewpoints that require further examination and evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preconceived notion" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms that it is widely used, acting as a label for an opinion formed in advance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preconceived notion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that identifies an opinion or belief formed beforehand. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely utilized across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Academia, and Science. When using this phrase, it's important to recognize the potential for bias and subjectivity, addressing these notions with specificity and openness to revision. Alternatives like "preconceived idea" or "prior assumption" offer slight variations in meaning. Being aware of common errors, such as presenting "preconceived notions" as facts, helps to maintain clarity and accuracy in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preconceived idea

Replaces "notion" with "idea", maintaining the core meaning but slightly altering the nuance.

preconceived belief

Substitutes "notion" with "belief", implying a stronger conviction or acceptance of the idea.

preconceived opinion

Uses "opinion" instead of "notion", emphasizing a personal judgment or viewpoint formed beforehand.

preformed judgment

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal expression, highlighting the act of judging in advance.

prior assumption

Emphasizes the aspect of assuming something to be true before having sufficient evidence.

preset idea

Highlights that the idea was already set or in place before consideration.

established belief

Suggests that the belief has become firmly established over time.

fixed mindset

Implies a rigid and unchanging way of thinking.

ingrained prejudice

Highlights that the notion involves prejudice that is deeply rooted or established.

stereotypical view

Focuses on how the preformed notion is based on oversimplified and generalized beliefs about a group of people.

FAQs

How can I use "preconceived notion" in a sentence?

You can use "preconceived notion" to describe an idea or belief formed before having complete information. For example, "Many people approach the subject with a "preconceived notion" of its difficulty".

What's the difference between "preconceived notion" and "preconceived idea"?

The terms "preconceived notion" and "preconceived idea" are largely interchangeable. "Notion" suggests a general understanding or belief, while "idea" refers to a more specific thought or concept. The distinction is subtle and often negligible.

What can I say instead of "preconceived notion"?

Alternatives include "prior assumption", "preformed judgment", or "fixed mindset depending on the specific context".

Is it always negative to have a "preconceived notion"?

Not necessarily. While "preconceived notions" can lead to biases and inaccurate judgments, they can also serve as initial frameworks for understanding new information. The key is to remain open to revising these notions when presented with new evidence.