widespread assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

'widespread assumption' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a belief or idea that is held by a large number of people or to describe a commonly accepted belief that is not necessarily based on facts. For example: "Despite the lack of evidence, it is a widespread assumption that the global warming is a result of human activity".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a widespread assumption among knowing New Yorkers that much of the merchandise is stolen.

The New York Times

Worse, there was a widespread assumption that Zuckerman's parents were the models for Carnovsky's.

The Guardian - Books

There is a widespread assumption that natural childbirth is the plucky underdog in cultural attitudes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, the widespread assumption was that they would be refinanced before the reset ever kicked in.

The New York Times

Let's first consider the widespread assumption that Ukip is about to collapse.

The Guardian - Opinion

The widespread assumption in France is that the real puppet-master was Jacques Chirac.

Independent

The widespread assumption is that the Democrats will nevertheless form a ramshackle coalition.

The Economist

Recent ERP findings challenge the widespread assumption that syntactic and semantic processes are tightly coupled.

Brain and Language

Contrary to widespread assumption, action on climate change is not dependent on a new legally binding international agreement.

The Guardian

The company's strong preliminary earnings run counter to the widespread assumption that Oracle's hostile takeover bid would disrupt PeopleSoft's sales.

The New York Times

There is a widespread assumption that aid spending comes at the cost of underinvestment in domestic public services.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "widespread assumption" to introduce a concept that needs further examination or evidence to support or refute it.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something is "widespread" it is universally accepted or accurate. Always critically evaluate the validity of any assumption, regardless of how common it may seem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widespread assumption" functions as a noun phrase that typically introduces a concept or belief held by many people. It often sets the stage for further discussion, analysis, or critique of that belief. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "widespread assumption" is a commonly used noun phrase that introduces beliefs held by many. It's grammatically correct and frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammatical rules, making it suitable for diverse writing scenarios. When using this phrase, remember to evaluate the validity of the assumption and provide clear context. Alternatives include "common belief" or "general understanding". Be aware of the potential for overstating prevalence and critically assess the assumption's accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely held view

Replaces assumption with a more neutral term view.

general understanding

Replaces "assumption" with a focus on comprehension and agreement.

common belief

Focuses on the belief aspect, omitting the idea of it being an assumption.

prevailing notion

Replaces "assumption" with "notion", suggesting a more abstract or theoretical idea.

established belief

Highlights that the belief is long-held and firmly in place.

general consensus

Highlights the agreement aspect, implying broader support than a simple assumption.

popular opinion

Emphasizes the public's view, potentially differing from expert or informed perspectives.

accepted wisdom

Implies a belief that has been established over time and is generally considered true.

conventional wisdom

Suggests a belief that is common and often unchallenged, even if potentially inaccurate.

common knowledge

Indicates that the belief is so well-known it is considered a basic fact.

FAQs

How can I use "widespread assumption" in a sentence?

You can use "widespread assumption" to introduce an idea generally believed to be true, as in "There is a "widespread assumption" that technology always improves lives, but this is not always the case".

What are some alternatives to saying "widespread assumption"?

Alternatives include "common belief", "prevailing notion", or "general understanding" depending on the specific context.

Is "widespread assumption" the same as "common knowledge"?

While related, "widespread assumption" implies a belief that might not be verified, whereas "common knowledge" suggests a fact widely understood and accepted as true.

Can "widespread assumption" be incorrect?

Yes, a "widespread assumption" can be based on misinformation or incomplete data. It is important to critically assess such assumptions rather than accepting them at face value.