widespread belief

USAGE SUMMARY

"widespread belief" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to a belief that is shared by many people. For example: "There is a widespread belief that the world will end in December 2021."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The companies also know that this widespread belief is nonsense.

The Economist

However, contrary to widespread belief, electroconvulsive therapy is extremely effective.

The New York Times

Contrary to widespread belief, no discrimination was found.

The Economist

I conclude that, contrary to widespread belief, it is far from being proven.

Current Opinion in Neurobiology

A big part of it is the widespread belief in the American dream in our society.

Yale University

Contrary to widespread belief, participants' tax morale is invariant to these treatments.

Journal of Economic Psychology

Contrary to widespread belief, camels did not dilute their milk when dehydrated.

Journal of Dairy Science

Negotiation researchers have refuted the widespread belief that honesty varies widely among individual negotiators.

Harvard University

The debate two years ago reflected a widespread belief that the health care system needed reform.

Princeton University

There is a widespread belief in Pakistan that he was behind the massacres in Gujarat".

The Guardian

There seem to be widespread belief New York prizefights are patronized extensively by the haut monde.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "widespread belief" to provide context or background information, especially when discussing social trends, cultural norms, or common misconceptions.

Common error

Avoid using "widespread belief" when the belief is only prevalent within a specific group or community. Ensure that the belief is genuinely held across a broad spectrum before characterizing it as such.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widespread belief" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates a commonly held view or assumption within a population. Ludwig examples showcase its use in introducing or challenging such beliefs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

29%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "widespread belief" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to ideas that are generally accepted within a society or group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's readily usable in various contexts, especially in news, scientific, and academic writing. While seemingly straightforward, it's important to use it accurately, ensuring the belief is indeed prevalent across a broad spectrum and not just confined to a specific niche. Alternatives like "commonly held view" or "general consensus" can provide subtle shifts in meaning. When using "widespread belief", consider whether you intend to support or challenge the belief, and use it to provide context or background information effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commonly held view

Focuses on the act of holding the view, rather than the breadth of its acceptance.

shared understanding

Focuses on the collective agreement and comprehension of a concept.

general consensus

Implies a more formalized agreement or convergence of opinions.

prevailing opinion

Suggests a dominant viewpoint, possibly in contrast to other existing opinions.

popular perception

Emphasizes the idea as it's perceived by the general public, which may or may not be accurate.

common knowledge

Indicates that the belief is so well-known that it's considered universally understood.

accepted wisdom

Similar to conventional wisdom, but may carry a slightly more positive connotation of reliability.

general assumption

Implies that the belief is taken for granted without necessarily being critically examined.

conventional wisdom

Refers to a belief that is widely accepted but not necessarily based on facts or evidence.

established idea

Highlights the length of time that the belief has been held.

FAQs

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

You can use "widespread belief" to introduce an idea that is commonly accepted. For example: "There is a "widespread belief" that exercise is beneficial for your health."

What are some alternatives to "widespread belief"?

Alternatives include "commonly held view", "general consensus", or "prevailing opinion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to describe something as a "widespread belief"?

No, it's important to ensure that the belief is truly held by a significant portion of the population and not just a specific group. Overstating the prevalence of a belief can undermine your credibility.

What's the difference between "widespread belief" and "conventional wisdom"?

"Widespread belief" simply indicates a belief that is commonly held. "Conventional wisdom" refers to beliefs that are widely accepted but may not be based on fact or evidence.