It was widely believed that, by selling debts in securitised form, banks were making the system more stable.

ECONOMIST: Buttonwood

When he began training his daughters, it was widely believed that women could not play serious tournament chess.

ECONOMIST: Who wants to be a genius?

In the past, it was widely believed that a decrease in bone density was the main cause of osteoporotic fractures.

ECONOMIST: Medicine

Lest we forget, until the great crash of 2007-8, it was widely believed that the Bank of England's performance had been world class: inflation was in check, providing the necessary price stability for businesses, households and government to make rational investment and spending decisions.

BBC: Can the Bank of England hit any target?

But it is widely believed that O'Neill felt it was the end of the road after learning that he would not be able to reinvest most of the money generated from England midfielder James Milner's imminent move to Manchester City.

BBC: Aston Villa hope to name Martin O'Neill successor soon

It was widely believed, with much justification, that when the chancellor said he wanted a contest he really meant it.

BBC: Analysis

Many see Greece as little more than a protectorate of the EU. It is widely believed that the purpose of the bailout was less about helping Greece and more about saving the euro and protecting international banks from a default.

BBC: Bond deal brings Greece little comfort

It is widely believed by students of the field that this was not a coincidence.

ECONOMIST: Climate change and civilisation