widely held perception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widely held perception" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a belief or opinion that is commonly accepted by a large number of people. Example: "The widely held perception is that climate change is primarily caused by human activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The widely held perception is that English players are over-valued.

The Guardian - Sport

But there is a widely held perception that these approaches are too expensive.

The Guardian

"That is a widely held perception and it's interesting to come in and see how it really works.

The Guardian - Sport

"People say I have no instructions," Holbrooke joked, acknowledging a widely held perception that he was a rule unto himself.

The New Yorker

But Whole Foods says the widely held perception that its prices are higher than its competitors' is simply untrue.

The New York Times

Contrary to that widely held perception, the Redskins' tenure at FedEx Field is not a "ticking time bomb" at all.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The subsequent internal faction-fighting within the IAF, so shortly before the election, probably dented its public support.Furthermore, there is a widely-held perception that the IAF has failed to deliver on its 2003 campaign promises.

The Economist

The OED study concluded that the widely-held perception that the Bank's livestock development efforts have been unsatisfactory accounted, in part, for the steep decline in livestock lending since 1980.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

There's a widely-held perception that all Americans are united in favour of executions, but this message came across loud and clear that many people are not happy with it".

The Guardian

The widely-held perception, of course, is that we are already leading.

Forbes

While the widely-held perception is that consumers are converting to new vegan/vegetarian diets in droves, Goldman said that the percentage is still only around 5%.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "widely held perception", ensure that you can back up the claim that the perception is indeed widely held. Provide evidence or context to support this assertion.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "widely held perception" as a universally accepted truth. Acknowledge that dissenting opinions or alternative viewpoints may exist, even if they are less prevalent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widely held perception" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a concept, belief, or viewpoint commonly shared by a significant number of people. Ludwig examples show it often precedes an argument, analysis, or counter-argument.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "widely held perception" is a noun phrase that introduces a common belief or viewpoint. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and very common, appearing most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the perception is genuinely widespread and to avoid presenting it as an unquestionable truth. Consider alternative phrases like "common understanding" or "prevailing belief" to refine your intended meaning. Remember, effectively using "widely held perception" involves both acknowledging its prevalence and critically evaluating its validity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevailing belief

Emphasizes the widespread acceptance of an idea as true, differing from perception, which is about awareness.

shared assumption

Highlights an idea taken for granted by many, which is a more passive acceptance compared to perception.

common understanding

Focuses on the shared comprehension of a concept, differing from perception which implies a viewpoint.

conventional view

Indicates a traditional or standard perspective, differing from perception's more active interpretation.

general consensus

Highlights agreement among a group, unlike perception, which is more individual.

popular opinion

Refers to views held by many people, with less emphasis on reasoned understanding compared to perception.

accepted wisdom

Suggests a belief that has been established over time, implying less scrutiny than a "widely held perception".

public sentiment

Captures the emotional tone of a population, varying from perception, which is more cognitive.

collective consciousness

Refers to the shared beliefs and attitudes of a society, a broader concept than a specific perception.

dominant narrative

Implies a controlling story or explanation, differing from perception, which is about individual understanding.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "widely held perception" in a sentence?

Use "widely held perception" to introduce a common belief or viewpoint, often as a precursor to either supporting or challenging it. For example: "The "widely held perception" is that remote work increases productivity."

What are some alternatives to "widely held perception"?

You can use alternatives like "common belief", "prevailing view", or "general consensus" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "widely held assumption" and "widely held perception"?

"Widely held assumption" implies something is taken for granted, while ""widely held perception"" suggests a viewpoint formed from observation or experience. An assumption may be less consciously examined than a perception.

When is it appropriate to use "widely held perception" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when you need to refer to a belief that is common within a specific group or the public at large. Be sure to provide context or evidence to support your claim that the perception is, in fact, widely held.