How to Say “Generally Accepted”: Formal and Informal Ways

When expressing the idea of something being “generally accepted,” there are various phrases you can use to convey this notion in both formal and informal settings. In this guide, we will explore different ways to express the concept of “generally accepted” in various contexts. Whether you are writing a formal essay, an email, or engaged in casual conversation, this guide will provide you with tips, examples, and variations to help you effectively communicate this idea.

Formal Expressions

When aiming for a more formal tone, it’s important to choose phrases that convey the sense of something being widely agreed upon. Here are some formal ways to express the idea of “generally accepted”:

1. Universally Acknowledged: This phrase emphasizes the near-universal consensus on a particular matter. For example: “It is universally acknowledged that education plays a crucial role in a person’s personal and professional development.”
2. Broadly Recognized: Use this expression to highlight that a particular idea or fact is widely recognized and accepted. For instance: “The importance of respecting one’s elders is broadly recognized in many cultures worldwide.”
3. Commonly Agreed Upon: Employ this phrase to convey the idea of shared agreement or consensus among a group or society. For example: “It is commonly agreed upon that climate change poses a significant threat to our planet.”
4. Generally Approved: Use this expression to indicate that something is widely accepted and approved of. For instance: “The new company policy was generally approved by both employees and management.”
5. Conventionally Accepted: This phrase emphasizes the acceptance of a particular idea or practice as a social norm or convention. For example: “In many societies, it is conventionally accepted for individuals to shake hands when meeting for the first time.”

Informal Expressions

In informal situations, you can opt for more casual and conversational phrases to convey the idea of “generally accepted.” Here are some informal ways to express this:

1. Common Knowledge: This phrase implies that something is widely known and accepted without needing to explain further. For example: “It’s common knowledge that eating vegetables is good for your health.”
2. No-Brainer: Use this expression to describe something that is so obvious and widely accepted that it requires little thought. For instance: “Choosing happiness over sorrow is a no-brainer.”
3. Goes without Saying: Employ this phrase to indicate that something is so widely understood and accepted that it does not need to be explicitly mentioned. For example: “In a democratic society, the freedom of speech goes without saying.”
4. Standard Practice: This phrase conveys the idea that a particular way of doing something is widely accepted and expected. For instance: “In most restaurants, leaving a tip is considered standard practice.”
5. General Consensus: Use this expression to highlight the overall agreement among a group of people or society. For example: “The general consensus among the attendees was that the conference was a great success.”

TIP: When choosing an expression to convey “generally accepted,” consider the tone and level of formality appropriate for the context. An informal setting may require more colloquial phrases, while a formal setting may necessitate more professional and sophisticated expressions.

Now that you are familiar with various formal and informal ways to express the concept of “generally accepted,” let’s explore some examples in different contexts:

Examples in Different Contexts

Formal Example:

In a research paper on climate change, you might write: “The scientific community has reached a general consensus that human activities significantly contribute to global warming.”

Informal Example:

In a casual conversation with friends, you could say: “Come on, guys! It’s a no-brainer that exercise is good for our overall well-being.”

Email Example:

In a professional email discussing workplace safety, you may write: “It is widely recognized that wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for ensuring the well-being of our employees.”

Essay Example:

In an academic essay about the importance of family, you could state: “It is commonly agreed upon that strong family bonds contribute to individuals’ emotional and psychological stability.”

Conclusion

Expressing the concept of “generally accepted” can be done in both formal and informal ways, depending on the context. By utilizing the phrases and examples provided, you can effectively communicate the idea of widespread agreement or recognition. Remember to consider the tone and formality required for each situation, adapting your choice of expression accordingly. Now that you are armed with a variety of options, you can confidently convey the notion of “generally accepted” in your future conversations, emails, and writings!