this is a misapprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is a misapprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to clarify a misunderstanding or incorrect belief about a topic or situation. Example: "Many people think that the new policy will reduce benefits, but this is a misapprehension; in fact, it aims to enhance support for employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is a misapprehension about how the effects of fiction are produced, and can be dispelled by obeying Rule 1.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This was a misapprehension.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is a fundamental misapprehension.

The New Yorker

This is a common misapprehension.

The New York Times

Bloodworth says it is a misapprehension that meritocracy is an ideal of the left.

The Guardian

There is a misapprehension here, a dark crosscurrent, that still startles me.

The New Yorker

Nevertheless, the empirical world is not totally unreal, for it is a misapprehension of the real brahman.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is a misapprehension, he says, that every time a child sex crime reaches the media it disgraces the community.

The Guardian

There is a misapprehension encouraged by advocates of repealing the estate tax that it punishes a large number of middle-class Americans.

The New York Times

"There is a misapprehension in some quarters that the monetary policy committee could have prevented the squeeze in living standards by raising interest rates over the past year to bring inflation below its present level," Mr. King said in the speech.

The New York Times

VI) Mill agreed, "it is a misapprehension of the utilitarian mode of thought to conceive it as implying that people should fix their minds upon so wide a generality as the world, or society at large".

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is a misapprehension" to directly address and correct a specific misunderstanding or incorrect belief, especially when clarifying complex topics or addressing common misconceptions.

Common error

Avoid using "this is a misapprehension" in very casual conversation; simpler phrases like "that's not quite right" or "you've got it wrong" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is a misapprehension" functions as a statement used to correct or clarify a misunderstanding. It introduces a counterpoint to a previously stated or implied belief, asserting that the belief is based on an inaccurate understanding. Ludwig confirms this usage, indicating that the phrase is suitable for clarifying misconceptions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is a misapprehension" serves to directly address and correct misunderstandings or false beliefs. As Ludwig shows, it's commonly used in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts to clarify complex topics. While grammatically sound and versatile, the phrase is best reserved for neutral and slightly formal settings; simpler alternatives may be more apt for casual conversations. The phrase enjoys a moderate frequency and a strong presence in authoritative sources, reinforcing its role as a valuable tool for clear and precise communication. It’s important to use it judiciously to foster understanding and clarity while avoiding overuse in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's a misconception

Uses "misconception" instead of "misapprehension", implying a widely held but incorrect belief.

that's a misunderstanding

Replaces "misapprehension" with "misunderstanding", suggesting a failure to understand something correctly.

it's a common mistake

Focuses on the error aspect, indicating a frequent error in understanding or judgment.

that's simply not true

Directly denies the truth of a statement, implying the original assertion is based on a false premise.

that's an inaccurate perception

Emphasizes the inaccuracy of the perception, suggesting that the understanding is flawed.

it's a flawed assumption

Highlights that the statement is based on an incorrect or unsound assumption.

that's based on false information

Attributes the misunderstanding to incorrect or false information.

that's a false premise

Indicates that the statement is built upon a faulty or untrue foundation.

it's a distorted view

Suggests that the understanding is twisted or skewed, leading to a misinterpretation.

that's a skewed perspective

Highlights that the viewpoint is biased or not representative, leading to an inaccurate conclusion.

FAQs

What does "this is a misapprehension" mean?

The phrase "this is a misapprehension" means that something is based on a misunderstanding or incorrect belief. It's used to point out that a particular understanding of a situation or concept is not accurate.

How can I use "this is a misapprehension" in a sentence?

You can use "this is a misapprehension" to correct a false belief. For example, "Many people believe this policy will cut funding, but "that is a misapprehension"; in fact, it increases support."

What are some alternatives to "this is a misapprehension"?

Alternatives include "that is a misconception", "that is a misunderstanding", or "that is simply not true", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "this is a misapprehension" formal or informal?

"This is a misapprehension" is generally considered more formal. In very casual contexts, simpler phrases like "you've got it wrong" might be more appropriate.