Grammar fix

a widespread belief

commonly held opinion

an idea or opinion that many people in a society or group accept as true, even if it may not be based on evidence.

collocationC1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

There is a widespread belief that eating late at night leads to weight gain, although research does not fully support this.society
In my country, there is a widespread belief that success is mainly a result of hard work, but I think other factors, like opportunity, also play a significant role.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: It is a widespread belief that + clause | There is a widespread belief (among/in) + group

Wronga widespread belief of ghosts.

Righta widespread belief in ghosts. / a widespread belief that ghosts exist.

'A belief IN something' or 'a belief THAT...', not 'of'.

PatternIt is a widespread belief that + clause | There is a widespread belief (among/in) + group

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff It is a commonly held and prevalent conviction that the moon affects mood.

Natural There's a widespread belief that the moon affects mood.

'Commonly held prevalent conviction' stacks synonyms; 'a widespread belief that' is cleaner.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

a widespread belief that
thatinthere'scontrary to the

Don't confuse it

Unlike 'a belief' (any personal opinion), 'a widespread belief' refers to something many people share. It is more formal and general than 'a common belief,' which can sound more casual.

Try it in Daily Speak →