widely held belief

USAGE SUMMARY

"widely held belief" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a belief that is accepted by many people. For example, "It is a widely held belief that hard work is the key to success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

But that widely held belief has not always been borne out in studies.

The New York Times

Subsidised subscriptions will only strengthen the widely held belief that music should be free.

The Economist

(Mr. Greene also dispels the widely held belief that the sugary mojito was the author's favorite).

The New York Times

It may be the most widely held belief in the city.

The Economist

There is a widely held belief that when it comes to our children, anything goes.

The Guardian

There is a widely held belief that the managed care revolution has run its course.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It's a widely-held belief that kids keep growing up faster and faster.

Huffington Post

This study confirms that widely-held belief.

The Washington Post

We attempt to quantify the widely-held belief that large hierarchies induced by strongly-warped geometries are common in the string theory landscape.

Nuclear Physics B

This evokes the widely-held belief that outsourcing equates evil.

Forbes

This is by far the most widely-held belief when it comes to Heaven.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "widely held belief" to introduce an idea that is generally accepted, but be prepared to provide evidence or context, especially if you plan to challenge or question it.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "widely held belief" is universally accepted. Acknowledge that differing perspectives or counter-evidence may exist, even if the belief is prevalent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widely held belief" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a concept or idea that is generally accepted or believed by a significant portion of a population. Ludwig confirms its appropriate usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "widely held belief" is a commonly used phrase to introduce an idea generally accepted by many. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical structure and widespread use. While versatile across different contexts, especially in News & Media and Science, it's important to acknowledge that even "widely held beliefs" may have counter-evidence or differing perspectives. Therefore, use it to introduce an idea that is generally accepted, but be prepared to provide evidence or context, especially if you plan to challenge or question it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common assumption

Emphasizes that the belief is taken for granted by many.

prevailing opinion

Highlights the dominance and currency of the belief.

general consensus

Focuses on agreement among a group of people.

accepted wisdom

Suggests the belief is traditional and respected.

popular notion

Highlights the widespread acceptance of the belief among the general public.

conventional view

Indicates that the belief is the standard or traditional perspective.

established idea

Emphasizes the long-standing nature and acceptance of the belief.

public perception

Focuses on how the belief is understood by the public.

collective understanding

Highlights the shared comprehension of a particular concept.

dominant ideology

Implies the belief is part of a larger system of thought that influences society.

FAQs

How can I use "widely held belief" in a sentence?

You can use "widely held belief" to introduce a concept generally accepted by many, like in the sentence: "It's a "widely held belief" that regular exercise improves overall health."

What are some alternatives to "widely held belief"?

Alternatives include "common assumption", "prevailing opinion", or "general consensus", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "widely held belief" in formal writing?

Yes, "widely held belief" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure your claims are supported by evidence, especially if the "widely held belief" is contentious.

What's the difference between "widely held belief" and "popular opinion"?

"Widely held belief" suggests a more deeply ingrained and potentially long-standing acceptance, while "popular opinion" may refer to a more current or transient view.