a dominant idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dominant idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a primary or prevailing concept within a discussion, argument, or piece of writing. Example: "In her essay, she explores the dominant idea of freedom and its implications in modern society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

In the late nineteen-forties, he made several important trips: one to Morocco, where he was captivated by the mud-brick strongholds and courtyard houses of the Berbers; and another to Mexico, where he saw the platform temples of the Yucatán, whose huge, stepped approaches were to become a dominant idea in his designs.

The New Yorker

Indeed, this is a dominant idea underlying current responses to design arguments.

SEP

And this may become a dominant idea if the estate tax is permanently repealed or compromise reform significantly lowers estate tax costs.

Forbes

"The idea that you have oppression taking place in society, I thought that was a dominant idea of the classes," Huppenthal testified.

Huffington Post

She tells me that there's a similar narrative in many Sikh communities, where "there is a dominant idea around Muslims representing an 'enemy' within the Sikh community.

Vice

They have attempted to change a dominant idea of the country and its citizens as marked by violence, to one where we are marked by a "culture of peace".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

A designer often attempts to have a dominant theme or idea, be it colour, form, texture, or some rhythmic pattern.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Italy, attention and concern for privacy issues, even if originated from different grounds, together with a still worldwide dominant idea of DNA and genes as "threatening personal information" [ 32], might play an important role in determining a high level of consciousness and attention to donation for research.

BMC Medical Ethics

FOR more than a quarter-century, the dominant idea guiding economic policy in the United States and much of the globe has been that the market is unfailingly wise.

The New York Times

The dominant idea was that a person, once laying claim to a piece of land, would always remain in charge of it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Each of the 42 looks echoed one dominant idea – that of a fierce late 1980s party girl – with the odd nod to the label's original hallmarks thrown in.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "a dominant idea" in your writing, provide sufficient context to illustrate its significance and impact, reinforcing its central role in the discussion.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "a dominant idea" without elaborating on its specific characteristics or implications. Instead, provide detailed explanations to clarify its role and relevance within the given context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dominant idea" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object. It identifies a key concept or theme that is highly influential or prevalent within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dominant idea" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that identifies a key concept or theme. It is most frequently found in news, science and encyclopedic contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is well-regarded. When using "a dominant idea", ensure clarity by providing sufficient context and avoid overuse without adequate explanation. Consider alternatives like "a main idea" or "a key concept" to add variety to your writing and tailor your message to its intended purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a main idea

Focuses on the centrality of the idea, emphasizing its primary role.

a prevalent idea

Highlights the widespread acceptance and commonality of the idea.

a key concept

Emphasizes the importance and fundamentality of the idea.

a major theme

Shifts the focus to the recurring element within a larger work or discussion.

a central tenet

Highlights the idea's role as a core principle or belief.

a prevailing thought

Stresses the current acceptance and influence of the idea.

a guiding principle

Emphasizes how the idea influences actions and decisions.

a core belief

Focuses on the idea as a deeply held conviction.

a leading theory

Highlights the idea's prominence in a specific field of study.

a widespread notion

Indicates the common and extensive belief in the idea.

FAQs

How can "a dominant idea" be used effectively in a sentence?

To use "a dominant idea" effectively, integrate it into a sentence that clearly indicates the context and significance of the idea. For example, "The "dominant idea" in this economic theory is that markets regulate themselves."

What are some alternatives to "a dominant idea" that I can use in my writing?

You can use alternatives like "a main idea", "a prevalent idea", or "a key concept depending on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "the dominant idea" instead of "a dominant idea"?

Both "a dominant idea" and "the dominant idea" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A dominant idea" refers to one among potentially many significant ideas, while "the dominant idea" suggests that it is the most important or prevalent idea in a specific context.

In what contexts is "a dominant idea" most commonly used?

"A dominant idea" is frequently used in academic, news, and analytical writing to identify significant themes, theories, or concepts. It helps to highlight the central focus of discussions or arguments.