widespread idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widespread idea" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a concept, belief, or notion that is widely accepted or believed by a large number of people. Example: The widespread idea that money can buy happiness is constantly challenged by stories of wealthy individuals who feel unfulfilled despite their material possessions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

There is a widespread idea that those who live in high crime areas are politically apathetic.

The Guardian - Opinion

It found important differences in practical elaboration of the widespread idea of employing dynamic geometry to support guided discovery.

Computers & Education

The deal will also play into the wrongheaded, but widespread, idea that corporations should not have to pay higher taxes.

The New York Times

Ms. Martin blames bad etiquette training and the widespread idea that being honest means expressing your every wish.

The New York Times

Among them we cannot possibly include the unfortunate but widespread idea that English is simpler than other languages".

The Guardian - Books

There is a widespread idea that such behaviour is commendable when it is nothing of the sort.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Consider two widespread ideas — now fast approaching the stature of platitudes — on the impact of photography.

The New Yorker

Such religious groups integrate ancient, widespread ideas and customs of initiation into the framework of either the Vaishnava or Shaiva patterns of Hinduism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Based on the experience of the ISS, one of the most widespread ideas is to develop a Cislunar Station in preparation of long duration missions in a deep space environment.

Acta Astronautica

An unimpressive flagship phone would support already widespread ideas that HTC has veered away from handsets after the deal with Google -- which is tipped to design a lot of them instead.

Forbes

"Whether it's a genetically programmed instinct or a widespread cultural idea, people throughout the world find deeply disturbing the idea of bodies being treated casually or disrespectfully".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "widespread idea", consider whether you want to emphasize the prevalence of the idea or its validity. If the validity is questionable, you might want to use phrases like "commonly held belief" instead.

Common error

Avoid treating a "widespread idea" as inherently true or correct. Just because an idea is commonly held does not guarantee its accuracy or validity. Critically evaluate the idea, even if it's widely accepted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widespread idea" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a concept, belief, or notion that is commonly held. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show its use in discussing and often challenging commonly held beliefs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "widespread idea" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that identifies a concept, belief, or notion commonly held by many. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the extensive examples demonstrate its prevalence across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While common, it's crucial to remember that the popularity of an idea does not guarantee its accuracy. Related phrases, such as "common belief" and "prevailing notion", offer nuanced alternatives for emphasizing different aspects of shared understanding. When using "widespread idea", it's essential to critically evaluate the underlying concept rather than blindly accepting it as truth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commonly held belief

Similar to "common belief" but emphasizes the act of holding the belief.

common belief

Focuses on the shared acceptance of an idea as true or valid.

prevailing notion

Highlights the current dominance and acceptance of a particular idea.

general consensus

Emphasizes agreement and shared understanding among a group.

accepted wisdom

Suggests that the idea is widely regarded as correct and reliable.

popular perception

Refers to how an idea is generally understood or viewed by the public.

conventional wisdom

Highlights the traditional or long-standing acceptance of an idea.

dominant ideology

Focuses on the power and influence of the idea within a society.

established view

Indicates that the idea is well-recognized and firmly in place.

received knowledge

Suggests that the idea is inherited or passed down without critical examination.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "widespread idea"?

You can use alternatives like "common belief", "prevailing notion", or "general consensus" depending on the context.

How do I use "widespread idea" in a sentence?

You can use "widespread idea" to describe a belief or concept that is commonly held by many people. For example: "There is a "widespread idea" that hard work always leads to success, but luck also plays a role."

Is the phrase "widespread idea" always accurate?

No, just because an idea is "widespread" does not mean it is necessarily true or accurate. It is important to critically evaluate even the most commonly held beliefs.

What's the difference between "widespread idea" and "common knowledge"?

"Widespread idea" refers to a belief or concept that is commonly held, while "common knowledge" refers to facts or information that are generally known and accepted as true. Not all "widespread ideas" are "common knowledge", and vice versa.