a common misconception — widespread false belief
A belief or idea that many people have, but which is actually not true.
Say it like a native
Textbook It is widely and erroneously believed that the wall is visible from space.
Native A common misconception is that the wall's visible from space.
'Widely and erroneously believed' is over-formal; 'a common misconception is that...' is the natural framing.
Pattern: a common misconception (is/that...)
In use
- It's a common misconception that bats are blind; in fact, they can see quite well.communication
- Many people hold the common misconception that all stress is harmful, but some stress can actually be motivating and beneficial.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Is a common misconception that bats are blind.
✓ It's a common misconception that bats are blind.
Lead with 'It's a common misconception that...' — you need the dummy 'it'.
Common collocations
a common misconception + that— that..., about, is, dispel
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'a misunderstanding', which is about a specific failure to understand between people, 'a common misconception' refers to a false belief that many people share, often about facts or general knowledge.