a prevailing idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a prevailing idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a dominant or widely accepted concept or belief within a particular context or discussion. Example: "In the realm of education, a prevailing idea is that technology enhances learning outcomes for students."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Thus, a prevailing idea in ecology is that predators capture young, old, sick, weak, injured or inexperienced individuals from prey populations in higher than expected proportions (Errington 1946; Slobodkin 1968; Curio 1976).

Biology Letters

Then added, "There is a prevailing idea that this is a Conservative country.

The Guardian - Opinion

While there's "a prevailing idea that, somehow, sex workers cannot be sexually assaulted," he added, they're actually more likely to.

Huffington Post

For example, our model is based on a prevailing idea that coccoliths serve as a defensive organ [39], [64], but the exact form of mortality function in nature is still unknown.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"For a while the prevailing idea inside government, particularly at the state level, seemed to be that you can create jobs if you just cut taxes and cut services," Shure said.

Huffington Post

With technological advances in molecular biology, the microbiological view of CF shifted towards a poly-microbial concept when next-generation sequencing unraveled a high diversity of organisms living in the lower airways even in healthy persons thus contrasting the prevailing idea of a sterile lung environment [9 14].

Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics

This theory supports the currently prevailing idea that an adequate proinflammatory cytokine response is of benefit, rather than harmful, especially after the initial resuscitation phase of trauma.

Critical Care

Importantly, the organism lacks a gene related to speB, thereby ruling out the prevailing idea that SpeB or antibodies reacting with it singularly cause PSGN.

Plosone

From October 2002 to March 2003, the prevailing idea of the FMG was that if a number of physicians decided to work together in a group practice, they could better facilitate the case management of their clientele.

BMC Family Practice

So far CO2 shipping has only been introduced as a secondary option for long distances and small amounts because of the prevailing idea that CO2 shipping is more expensive than CO2 pipeline for transporting large amount CO2.

International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control

But in 1986 the prevailing idea was that the suburbs were for the privileged few and the cities for the poor, the bohemian, and the principled.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, contrast "a prevailing idea" with emerging evidence or alternative viewpoints to highlight the dynamic nature of knowledge.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a prevailing idea" is universally accepted. Qualify the statement by specifying the community or field where the idea is dominant to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prevailing idea" functions as a noun phrase used to introduce or refer to a concept that is widely accepted or dominant within a particular context. It sets the stage for discussing or challenging existing viewpoints. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a prevailing idea" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a widely accepted or dominant concept within a specific field or context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides various examples of its use. While versatile, it's important to ensure the scope of the idea is clearly defined and not overgeneralized. Alternative phrases such as "a widespread belief" or "a common understanding" can be used to express similar concepts with slightly different nuances. This phrase is most commonly found in scientific and journalistic sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a widespread belief

Emphasizes the extent to which an idea is shared among people.

a common understanding

Focuses on a shared comprehension or interpretation of something.

a general consensus

Highlights agreement among a group of people regarding a particular idea.

the dominant view

Suggests that an idea is the most powerful or influential one.

the accepted wisdom

Implies that an idea is widely regarded as true and reliable.

the conventional thinking

Indicates an idea that is based on established norms or traditions.

a popular notion

Stresses the widespread appeal or acceptance of an idea.

a current trend of thought

Highlights the modern or fashionable aspect of an idea.

an established principle

Points to an idea that has been proven and accepted over time.

a received opinion

Implies an idea that has been passed down and generally accepted without question.

FAQs

How can I use "a prevailing idea" in a sentence?

You can use "a prevailing idea" to introduce a concept that is widely accepted within a specific field or context. For example, "A prevailing idea in ecology is that predators capture weaker individuals from prey populations".

What's the difference between "a prevailing idea" and "a widespread belief"?

"A prevailing idea" refers to a concept that is currently dominant or influential, while "a widespread belief" emphasizes the number of people who hold that belief, regardless of its current influence.

What can I say instead of "a prevailing idea"?

You can use alternatives like "a common understanding", "the dominant view", or "the accepted wisdom" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a prevailing idea" in formal writing?

Yes, "a prevailing idea" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic and professional contexts where you need to discuss widely accepted theories or concepts. You can also use "established principle".