the conventional wisdom

USAGE SUMMARY

'the conventional wisdom' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to an accepted truth or widely held opinion. For example, "The conventional wisdom is that hard work leads to success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But the conventional wisdom about conventions is wrong.

The New York Times

That's the conventional wisdom.

The New York Times

The conventional wisdom says otherwise.

The New York Times

That's not the conventional wisdom.

The New York Times

This is the conventional wisdom.

The Economist

But is the conventional wisdom right?

The New York Times

BUDAPEST — Sometimes the conventional wisdom is right.

The New York Times

Here, too, the conventional wisdom deserves scrutiny.

The New York Times

This figure became the conventional wisdom.

The New York Times

That wasn't always the conventional wisdom.

The New York Times - Arts

But maybe the conventional wisdom is wrong.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the conventional wisdom" to introduce an idea that is widely accepted but potentially subject to debate or re-evaluation. This signals to your audience that you're aware of the prevailing view but might challenge it.

Common error

Avoid using "the conventional wisdom" as an absolute truth. Always acknowledge that it represents a generally held belief, not necessarily a proven fact. Being ready to provide counterarguments improves your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the conventional wisdom" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a concept, belief, or practice that is widely accepted and understood within a particular context, as Ludwig's examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the conventional wisdom" is a frequently used phrase, as indicated by Ludwig's AI and the numerous examples provided. Functioning as a noun phrase, it introduces a widely accepted belief or understanding, often setting the stage for further discussion or debate. Its register is typically neutral to professional, making it suitable for a range of contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. Remember, it is a starting point, not necessarily an absolute truth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the accepted view

Focuses more on the idea being broadly accepted, emphasizing agreement rather than traditional belief.

the prevailing opinion

Highlights the current dominant viewpoint, suggesting a potentially temporary or shifting perspective.

the common belief

Emphasizes that the idea is widely held among people, with focus on generality.

the established thought

Implies a longer history and a more entrenched position than "the conventional wisdom".

the standard line

Suggests a pre-approved or official viewpoint, often used in political or corporate contexts.

the popular conception

Focuses on how something is generally understood by the public, which might not be entirely accurate.

the received wisdom

Implies that the idea has been passed down and accepted without much questioning.

the going theory

Refers to the theory or explanation that is currently most favored or accepted.

the general consensus

Highlights the agreement among a group of people, emphasizing the collective aspect.

the traditional understanding

Emphasizes the historical aspect and how something has been understood over time.

FAQs

How can I use "the conventional wisdom" in a sentence?

You can use "the conventional wisdom" to introduce a widely accepted belief before either supporting it or challenging it with new evidence or a different perspective. For example, "The conventional wisdom is that a strong economy benefits everyone, but recent data suggests otherwise."

What phrases are similar to "the conventional wisdom"?

Similar phrases include "the accepted view", "the prevailing opinion", or "the common belief". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to rely on "the conventional wisdom"?

No, "the conventional wisdom" is not always accurate. It represents a generally held belief, which may not be supported by facts or evidence. It's important to critically evaluate it and consider alternative perspectives.

When should I question "the conventional wisdom"?

You should question "the conventional wisdom" when you have reason to believe it might be outdated, incomplete, or based on flawed assumptions. This could be due to new information, changing circumstances, or a different way of looking at the issue.