preconceived notions

USAGE SUMMARY

"preconceived notions" is a correct expression in written English.
You can use it when referring to ideas that you had about something or someone before you experienced or learned something new. For example: "My preconceived notions about my new job were quickly dispelled after my first week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Independent

The New York Times

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People have these preconceived notions.

Independent

"I would have preconceived notions.

The New York Times

Preconceived notions began to erode.

The New York Times - Sports

They have no preconceived notions.

The New York Times - Style

No mangoes, no mullahs, no preconceived notions.

The New York Times - Books

Eschew preconceived notions of earth mother frumpiness.

Independent

Did the course challenge preconceived notions?

The New York Times

"They had their own preconceived notions".

The New York Times

I don't have any preconceived notions".

The New York Times - Sports

Dear solarYB: They don't have preconceived notions.

The Guardian

He explodes any preconceived notions you have.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to foster open-mindedness, explicitly acknowledge and challenge "preconceived notions" to encourage unbiased consideration.

Common error

While often associated with bias, "preconceived notions" aren't inherently negative. They can be based on past experiences and serve as helpful starting points. Be mindful of the context and avoid automatically framing them as detrimental.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preconceived notions" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to ideas or beliefs formed before having full knowledge or experience. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Independent

17%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "preconceived notions" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe pre-existing ideas or beliefs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly within news and media. While often associated with bias, it's important to recognize that "preconceived notions" aren't always negative; they can be helpful starting points based on past experiences. When using this phrase, aim to challenge assumptions and promote open-mindedness, while also being aware of its potential impact on judgment and decision-making. Alternatives such as "prior assumptions" and "preconceived ideas" offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preconceived ideas

A more general term that is nearly interchangeable with the original phrase.

preconceived expectations

Highlights the anticipated outcomes that influence perception.

prior assumptions

Emphasizes that the notions were formed before having complete information.

preformed opinions

Highlights the premature and sometimes unfounded nature of the opinions.

stereotypical views

Specifically refers to generalized beliefs about groups of people.

established beliefs

Focuses on the deeply ingrained nature of the notions.

initial impressions

Focuses on the first judgments formed upon encountering something new.

ingrained prejudices

Highlights the potential for bias and unfair judgment.

fixed mindset

Implies a resistance to new information or perspectives.

ready-made conclusions

Suggests a lack of critical thinking or independent analysis.

FAQs

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

You can use "preconceived notions" to describe assumptions or beliefs formed before having complete information. For example: "It's important to challenge your "preconceived notions" about different cultures."

What's a good alternative to "preconceived notions"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "prior assumptions", "preconceived ideas", or "established beliefs".

How do "preconceived notions" affect decision-making?

"Preconceived notions" can introduce bias and limit consideration of new information, potentially leading to suboptimal decisions. Recognizing and questioning these notions is crucial for objective evaluation.

Are "preconceived notions" always wrong?

Not always. While they can be based on incomplete or inaccurate information, "preconceived notions" can also stem from past experiences and provide a foundation for understanding. The key is to remain open to revising them when presented with new evidence.