the common wisdom is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the common wisdom is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to widely accepted beliefs or opinions that are generally held by a group or society. Example: "The common wisdom is that investing in real estate is a safe way to build wealth over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The common wisdom is that markets hate uncertainty.

The New Yorker

The common wisdom is that Pennington isn't ready; but how do you know unless he plays?

The New York Times - Sports

The common wisdom is that the city's tolerance and weather have lured them here from elsewhere.

The New York Times

The common wisdom is that there is but one alternative: reducing the government's deficit.

The New York Times

The common wisdom is that people, in seeking love, risk losing themselves, but I did not fear this loss.

The New York Times

"The common wisdom is that privatization created monopolies," former President Salinas, who left office in 1994, told me.

The New Yorker

The common wisdom is that Andretti never did succeed in winning that final element, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The New York Times

And the common wisdom is that companies must spend lavishly on R&D if they are to innovate at all.

Harvard Business Review

The common wisdom is right about one thing, though: This standoff won't help Trump expand his support.

The Washington Post

The common wisdom is that steady-state hilltops should display convex shape with both uniform soil thickness and uniform rates of lowering of the soil bedrock interface.

Geomorphology

The common wisdom is that Yankees fans are witnessing the beginning of a transition: the ascendancy of the Oakland Athletics and the decline of the mighty Yankees.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the common wisdom is" to introduce an idea widely accepted but potentially oversimplified or requiring further examination. It's a good starting point for discussion or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "the common wisdom is" as a substitute for rigorous analysis or evidence. Always critically evaluate the idea you introduce, even if it's widely accepted.

Linguistic Context

The common wisdom is" functions as an introductory phrase to present a generally accepted belief or assumption. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase sets the stage for further discussion or analysis of the idea, allowing the speaker or writer to either support or challenge the conventional viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the common wisdom is" is a versatile phrase used to introduce ideas widely accepted within a society or group. As highlighted by Ludwig, while grammatically sound and frequently used across various sources, including the New York Times and Forbes, this phrase should serve as a springboard for critical analysis rather than an undisputed truth. Common errors include using it as a replacement for data-driven insights, or as a conversation end-point. To enrich your writing, consider alternatives such as "the prevailing view is" or "it is widely believed that" for nuance and variety. It's important to remember that even if something is commonly thought doesn't make it true or immune to further inquiry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the prevailing view is

Emphasizes current acceptance, shifting focus from commonality to timeliness.

the generally accepted idea is

Highlights widespread agreement and acceptance of an idea.

the conventional wisdom suggests

Adds a nuance of tradition and established thinking to the idea.

it is widely believed that

Directly states that something is commonly held as a belief.

the popular notion is

Implies that the idea is widespread among the general population.

the established understanding is

Stresses that the understanding is well-founded and recognized.

it's a common assumption that

Highlights that the idea is often taken for granted without deep examination.

people generally think that

Reflects a general thought pattern among people.

the received wisdom holds that

Emphasizes that the wisdom has been passed down or inherited.

the mainstream thinking is

Indicates that the idea is part of the primary or dominant thought pattern.

FAQs

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

Begin a sentence with "the common wisdom is" to introduce a widely held belief or assumption, such as, "The common wisdom is that a college degree guarantees a good job." Then, follow it with your analysis or perspective.

What phrases are similar to "the common wisdom is"?

You can use alternatives such as "the prevailing view is", "it is widely believed that", or "the conventional wisdom suggests" to express similar ideas.

Is it better to say "the common wisdom is" or "conventional wisdom"?

Both "the common wisdom is" and "conventional wisdom" are acceptable. "The common wisdom is" is typically used to introduce a statement, while "conventional wisdom" can act as a noun. The best choice depends on the sentence structure and context.

Can "the common wisdom is" be used to introduce a controversial idea?

Yes, "the common wisdom is" can introduce an idea, even if controversial. Using it doesn't imply agreement but sets the stage to examine and potentially challenge the idea. It's followed by arguments and evidence.