widespread thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widespread thinking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a common or prevalent way of thinking among a group of people or in a particular context. Example: "The widespread thinking among experts is that climate change requires immediate action to mitigate its effects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

As part of widespread thinking about how to program prime time, many broadcast networks, including ABC, are already gearing up several dramas to fit into that limited series pattern.

The New York Times - Arts

Unless it gets a bail-out, in the form of a $1.8 billion government loan guarantee, something that looks far less likely after union members rejected pay cuts on November 27th, United could be forced into Chapter 11 bankruptcy by December 2nd, when loans worth $375m fall due.Contrary to widespread thinking, United's problems were deep-rooted long before September 11th floored American aviation.

The Economist

How widespread thinking is among animals is much disputed (Menzel and Fischer [2011]), although it seems clear that some non-human animals do think.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Most were legitimate, but some turned out to be stock scams, prompting widespread thinking that Chinese companies wouldn't be welcome in the U.S. again.

TechCrunch

"We still have a long way to go, especially in the widespread thinking about masculinity and gender roles (again, a feminist issue!)," writes West, "but drenching this conversation in misogynist hate is nothing but a hindrance and a masturbatory distraction".

Huffington Post

In 1987 a document prepared by the World Commission on Environment and Development defined sustainable development as meeting "the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own need", this became known as the Brundtland Report and was another step towards widespread thinking on sustainability in everyday activity.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"At the end of the second Bush term, there was widespread interest in thinking about a religious left," said Leigh E. Schmidt, a historian at Washington University in St . Louis and the editor, with Sally M. Promey, of the recent book "American Religious Liberalism".

The New York Times - Books

The difficulty comes from the fact that there is widespread agreement that our thinking about disease pays attention to both human values and biological phenomena, and it is not always easy to tell how a theorist explains the interactions of these factors, nor whether a given analysis is descriptive or prescriptive.

SEP

Philida, however, is not thinking of the widespread liberation of the future; her grievance is far more personal.

The Guardian - Books

"It is that the Iranian plateau is becoming uninhabitable.... Groundwater has decreased and a negative water balance is widespread, and no one is thinking about this".

The New York Times

At its worst, it is a form of astroturfing, the pernicious practice of trying to trick people into thinking that has widespread support from ordinary members of the public.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "widespread thinking", consider whether the thinking is accurate or whether it is being challenged or re-evaluated. This can add depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "widespread thinking" without providing evidence or examples to support the claim that the thinking is, in fact, widespread. Generalizing without support can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widespread thinking" functions as a noun phrase, where "widespread" modifies the noun "thinking". As Ludwig AI states, it describes a prevalent or common way of thinking.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "widespread thinking" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to denote beliefs or assumptions held by a large group. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides various examples of its use across diverse contexts. While not exceedingly common, it appears regularly in news, scientific publications, and encyclopedic entries. To enhance clarity, specify the group holding the belief and avoid unsupported generalizations. Consider "common belief" or "prevailing attitude" as alternatives, when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common belief

Focuses on the shared acceptance of an idea or concept.

prevailing attitude

Highlights the dominant sentiment or viewpoint.

general consensus

Emphasizes the agreement among a group of people.

popular opinion

Refers to the views held by the majority.

accepted wisdom

Implies that the thinking is established and rarely questioned.

conventional wisdom

Similar to accepted wisdom, but can sometimes imply a need for re-evaluation.

established view

Highlights the long-standing nature of the thinking.

dominant ideology

Refers to the set of beliefs that shape societal norms.

collective mindset

Emphasizes the shared mental framework of a group.

shared understanding

Highlights the common interpretation of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "widespread thinking" to describe common beliefs or assumptions. For example: "There is "widespread thinking" that remote work increases productivity."

What are some alternatives to "widespread thinking"?

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

Is "widespread thinking" grammatically correct?

Yes, "widespread thinking" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English to describe a shared or prevalent way of thinking.

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

"Widespread thinking" simply refers to a common set of beliefs. "Conventional wisdom" often implies that the thinking is long-established and may not necessarily be accurate or up-to-date.