the common perception is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the common perception is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing widely held beliefs or opinions about a particular topic or issue. Example: "The common perception is that social media has a negative impact on mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The common perception is that Flutie will be a willing teacher to Brees.

The New York Times - Sports

The common perception is that people who are even mildly color-conscious must avoid compact fluorescents.

The New York Times

The common perception is that older people are more conservative investors than their younger counterparts.

MIT Technology Review

The common perception is that companies, like people, pass through a series of life stages.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The common perception is that the blood-letting of top coaches has become ever more frequent.

The Economist

The common perception is that site selection by the International Olympic Committee confers some sort of moral high ground.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

What is boxing and, more important, what can it still possibly be, nestled in its subculture of crazy controversy on a sports landscape that is so much more diverse from when the common perception was that boxing had game?

The New York Times - Sports

The common perception was that science teachers only teach the science concept and rarely, if at all, mention that science is one of myriad ways in which we can understand the world.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

We know Neanderthals made tools, but the common perception was that only Homo sapiens made art.

Vice

Other data suggest that carers often feel ignored or neglected by mental health services [ 33– 35], the common perception being that they are not listened to and their concerns are not taken seriously [ 36].

BMC Psychiatry

At least, that's what the common perceptions are.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “the common perception is” to introduce an idea that is widely held, but which you may then go on to challenge or provide a different perspective on. This sets up a clear contrast for your argument.

Common error

Avoid using “the common perception is” too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using alternatives like "it is widely believed that" or "many people assume" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the common perception is" functions as an introductory phrase. It serves to introduce a widely held belief or assumption, often setting the stage for a subsequent argument or counterpoint. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the common perception is" is a useful tool for introducing widely held beliefs before either supporting or refuting them. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across a variety of contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and scientific discourse. While predominantly neutral in tone, remember to vary your phrasing to avoid overuse and potential redundancy. Remember also to ensure that what you're describing as the common perception truly reflects a widespread viewpoint. Alternatives like "it is generally believed that" or "it is widely thought that" can offer stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is generally believed that

More formal and direct, focusing on the act of believing.

it is widely thought that

Emphasizes the breadth of the belief among people.

a common belief is that

Slightly more emphasis on the belief itself rather than the act of perceiving.

the prevailing view is that

Suggests a dominant or currently popular opinion.

it is commonly understood that

Focuses on the level of understanding rather than just belief.

people generally assume that

Highlights the element of assumption without concrete evidence.

most people consider that

Similar to "widely thought", but with a hint of deliberation.

the general consensus is that

Highlights agreement or alignment among a group.

it's a popular notion that

More informal, suggesting a widespread but possibly superficial idea.

the accepted wisdom is that

Emphasizes the traditional or established nature of the belief.

FAQs

How can I use "the common perception is" in a sentence?

Use "the common perception is" to introduce a belief or opinion that is widely held by many people. For example, "The common perception is that working from home increases productivity."

What can I say instead of "the common perception is"?

You can use alternatives like "it is generally believed that", "it is widely thought that", or "a common belief is that" depending on the context.

Is it always accurate to start a sentence with "the common perception is"?

No, it's important to ensure that what you're describing is actually a widely held belief and not just your personal opinion. Back it up with evidence or examples if possible.

What's the difference between "the common perception is" and "the reality is"?

"The common perception is" introduces a widespread belief, while "the reality is" introduces what is actually true, often in contrast to that belief. They are often used together to highlight a discrepancy.