question accepted wisdom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "question accepted wisdom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of challenging or critically examining widely held beliefs or assumptions. Example: "In her latest article, she aims to question accepted wisdom about climate change and its impacts on global economies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In-depth knowledge of the principles of economics and finance will also equip them to question accepted wisdom.

The Guardian - Money

His purpose seemed to be to question accepted wisdom and apply the methodology one would expect in scientific investigation to physics, history, medicine and other subjects.

The Guardian - Books

The skeleton's features clarify morphologies that have been given critical weight in primate phylogeny, and call into question accepted wisdom about the origin of higher primates.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

However, now there's a new study, by a researcher from the University of Warwick, which questions accepted wisdom on housework gender wars.

The Guardian - Opinion

Reading these lines, I thought of the workshops I had taught, which often began with acquiescence to various tenets about writing rather than the impulse to question such accepted wisdom.

The New Yorker

In 2005, investigators from Hong Kong challenged the accepted wisdom and questioned whether low-risk stage II patients benefit from neoadjuvant therapy [33].

European Journal of Cancer, Supplement

According to Mr Wells, Leonardo's legacy is that we should follow the Renaissance Man's example and continue to challenge, question and enquire rather than listen to accepted wisdom.

BBC

The pair's newest venue, Bellanger, turns the accepted wisdom on its head.

Independent

At its heart is the question of what happens when relatives make choices that seem at odds with accepted wisdom or one's own beliefs.

Los Angeles Times

Piketty's point is accepted wisdom in most of Europe, where, in France and Germany, the morality of capitalism is regularly questioned.

The Guardian - Opinion

It quickly became accepted wisdom in Kamaishi.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "question accepted wisdom", ensure that you're prepared to provide evidence or reasoning to support your challenge. A thoughtful challenge is more effective than a mere dismissal.

Common error

Avoid applying "question accepted wisdom" too broadly. Be specific about the particular belief or assumption you're challenging, and tailor your argument accordingly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "question accepted wisdom" functions as a verb phrase, where "question" acts as a verb directing the action toward the noun phrase "accepted wisdom". Ludwig's examples showcase its role in critically examining established beliefs.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "question accepted wisdom" is a grammatically sound expression used to challenge or critically examine established beliefs, according to Ludwig. While not exceedingly common, it finds its place across diverse contexts, notably in news, media, and scientific domains. Ludwig's analysis highlights its function as a verb phrase promoting critical thinking. Alternatives such as "challenge conventional beliefs" or "scrutinize established norms" may offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts. When employing this phrase, remember to provide substantiated reasoning and avoid overgeneralization for maximum effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenge conventional beliefs

Emphasizes a direct confrontation with established beliefs, suggesting a more proactive approach.

scrutinize established norms

Focuses on a detailed and critical examination of established norms, highlighting thoroughness.

challenge established thinking

Directly challenges the established way of thinking. It's focused on the intellectual challenge rather than societal norms.

re-evaluate prevailing assumptions

Highlights the act of reassessing current assumptions, suggesting a need for updated perspectives.

dispute prevailing beliefs

Indicates disagreement with commonly held beliefs, emphasizing a difference in opinion.

rethink traditional notions

Suggests a need to reconsider and revise traditional ideas, implying a potential shift in understanding.

examine received knowledge

Highlights a process of looking at the knowledge received, questioning it thoroughly.

investigate accepted doctrines

Undertakes a formal inquiry into accepted doctrines, implying a rigorous and systematic approach.

probe common assumptions

A way to examine common assumptions through a deep and hard-to-reach place, usually resulting in the discovery of a truth.

analyze popular beliefs

Focuses on a structured analysis of popular beliefs, highlighting a methodical and objective approach.

FAQs

How can I use "question accepted wisdom" in a sentence?

You can use "question accepted wisdom" to introduce a challenge to conventional thinking. For example: "The researcher aimed to "question accepted wisdom" about the effectiveness of certain therapies."

What are some alternatives to saying "question accepted wisdom"?

Alternatives include "challenge conventional beliefs", "scrutinize established norms", or "re-evaluate prevailing assumptions" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to "question accepted wisdom"?

While critical thinking is valuable, it's important to "question accepted wisdom" responsibly. Ensure you have a solid foundation for your challenge and consider the potential impact of your questioning.

What's the difference between "question accepted wisdom" and "reject accepted wisdom"?

"Question accepted wisdom" implies an inquiry or examination, while "reject accepted wisdom" implies a complete dismissal. Questioning opens the door to discussion, whereas rejecting may shut it down. Consider alternatives such as "dispute prevailing beliefs".