widespread understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widespread understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a concept or idea that is commonly accepted or recognized by a large number of people. Example: "There is a widespread understanding that climate change is a pressing global issue that requires immediate action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The trouble with this widespread understanding of Mr. McCain's politics is that it is entirely wrong.

The New York Times

But widespread understanding is the opposite of what slang is about.

The New York Times

The lack of trust derives from the widespread understanding that Japan's work force is already shrinking.

The New York Times

Today there's widespread understanding of the disorder along with therapies and medications to treat it.

The New York Times

The last Reconciliation Barometer found widespread understanding of the levels of disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal people.

The Guardian - Opinion

So far, investors have bought states' bonds eagerly, on the widespread understanding that states and cities almost never default.

The New York Times

There is a widespread understanding that Strachan will depart the international scene if his players do not return from England with victory.

The Guardian - Sport

And despite widespread understanding of the implications of it, of the end of privacy and so on, it seems most people believe it a price worth paying.

The Guardian

As he is aware, that puts him under increased scrutiny given the widespread understanding he will replace Smith in the front line, possibly as soon as next summer.

The Guardian - Sport

(The C.I.A. stands by all but one of Bikowsky's claims, and says that her assertions about the techniques reflected a widespread understanding.

The New Yorker

"There is also a widespread understanding of the need to ensure that business can properly work under any new structure while ensuring the existence of certain protections".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "widespread understanding" to indicate that a concept or idea is generally accepted or recognized by a large group. Ensure the context clarifies who holds this understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "widespread understanding" when the understanding is limited to a specific group or field. Instead, specify the group to avoid overstating the reach of the understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widespread understanding" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a state of collective awareness or comprehension, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "widespread understanding" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that indicates a broad agreement or common knowledge of a particular concept or idea. Ludwig confirms its validity. It is particularly prevalent in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the scope of the understanding is accurately represented and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "general consensus" or "common knowledge" can be used depending on the nuances of the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common knowledge

Emphasizes that something is known by most people.

general consensus

Focuses on agreement rather than knowledge, implying a collective decision.

accepted wisdom

Suggests a belief widely held within a specific group or field.

broad agreement

Similar to general consensus but emphasizes the act of agreeing.

general awareness

Highlights a broad recognition of something, without necessarily implying deep comprehension.

shared belief

Highlights the commonality of a particular belief among people.

prevailing view

Indicates the most common opinion or belief at a particular time.

universal acceptance

Implies a complete or near-complete agreement or understanding.

public perception

Focuses on how something is viewed by the general public.

established notion

Refers to an idea that has been accepted for a considerable time.

FAQs

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

You can use "widespread understanding" to describe a concept that is generally known or accepted. For example, "There is a widespread understanding that exercise is beneficial for health".

What are some alternatives to "widespread understanding"?

You can use alternatives like "general consensus", "common knowledge", or "general awareness" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "widespread understanding" in formal writing?

Yes, "widespread understanding" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing commonly held beliefs or knowledge within a specific field or the general public.

What is the difference between "widespread understanding" and "common knowledge"?

"Widespread understanding" implies a broad comprehension of a topic, while "common knowledge" suggests that something is generally known by most people. While similar, "widespread understanding" can suggest a deeper level of comprehension.