0

I'd like to carefully say that people not well trained in a field think that some solution X basically closes the whole problem Y, which is false. But instead of saying it is a common misconception, I'm saying it carefully: it is not uncommon.

I don't want to say "it is a common belief that X ends the search for Y" because that's not careful: experts know what's going on, but they'll also recognize that some people do have misconceptions and this is surely a case. At the same time I don't want to say something that sounds too odd or unnatural. How would you say it? (Do keep in mind that this is very formal writing, of course.)

Related question.

Improve this question
8
  • completes the search for (I would edit, though we are not really supposed to do that).
    – Lambie
    Commented Mar 1, 2019 at 16:35
  • 1
    Is there a reason you need to be so terse? Why not explain the situation more verbosely? E.g. "Some people mistakenly believe that solution X completely solves problem y and therefore, more research is unnecessary."
    – Juhasz
    Commented Mar 1, 2019 at 16:45
  • 1
    This sounds like scientific writing. As a former physicist, I don't believe you need to be so careful to avoid offending people in science. Almost all scientists value truth and clarity over feelings. You may be working in a more sensitive environment, however, if you're outside of North America and Europe.
    – hguler
    Commented Mar 1, 2019 at 17:48
  • 1
    One final comment: if this is in particle physics, "X ends the search for Y" is better than "X completes the search for Y." All your colleagues will immediately understand the former; they will have to think about the latter and wonder why you didn't just use the standard lingo.
    – hguler
    Commented Mar 1, 2019 at 17:48
  • 1
    That X obviates the search for Y is shown to be a misconception.
    – Jim
    Commented Mar 1, 2019 at 18:13

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0

Perhaps something along the lines of

"One might think that X ends the search for Y; however, this is not the case..."

You could leave it there, or, if you wish to clarify further, continue with "because..."

Improve this answer
1
  • That is a pretty good suggestion. Thanks!
    – user338395
    Commented Mar 7, 2019 at 17:13

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .