a prevailing practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a prevailing practice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a common or widely accepted method or approach in a particular context or field. Example: "In the field of education, a prevailing practice is to incorporate technology into the classroom to enhance learning."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If there is a prevailing practice among these young artists, it is a hopscotch across disciplines.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Processes or strategies that will be used may be based on what the clinician was taught, his or her own representation of the evidence supporting each course of action, or the prevailing practice in a given institution [ 4].

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

So, yes, the sister actually has a large humane side, but the prevailing practice in those days was that you must never show it.

The Guardian - Books

The results show that, for a very wide range of realistic parameter values, sustainable management of reservoirs is economically more desirable than the prevailing practice of forcing a finite reservoir life through excessive sediment accumulation.

Journal of Environmental Management

This trial challenges current prevailing practice paradigms of whether a minimalistic approach in the treatment of ARDS, such as use of lighter sedation and no paralytic agents, improves outcomes.

Critical Care

She doesn't believe in innovating based on trends either, which is a prevailing industry practice.

Huffington Post

She cited "the prevailing practice of destroying anyone who is considered a threat to the higher authorities by your government, by means of murder, 'disappearances', physical attacks".

The Economist

"This was the prevailing practice, broadly held at many centers around the country," Dr. Michael O'Shea, a neonatologist at Wake Forest, who has conducted clinical studies evaluating NICU treatments, told me.

The New Yorker

The Economist, as it happens, follows the prevailing practice and puts only one space after full stops.

The Economist

In accordance with prevailing practice, he was appointed pope at the age of 47 by the emperor Henry III.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In many areas the prevailing practice was to divide inheritances, so that population growth without massive emigration to cities or abroad meant a diminution in the size of individual holdings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a prevailing practice", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity about which field or area the practice is prevalent in. Provide specific examples or details to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a prevailing practice" without specifying the context. For instance, instead of saying "This is a prevailing practice", clarify with "This is a prevailing practice in the medical field" to provide specific guidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prevailing practice" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a common or generally accepted method or approach within a specific context. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a prevailing practice" is a noun phrase used to describe a common or generally accepted method. Ludwig confirms it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, from scientific research to news reports. While versatile, clarity is key: specifying the context prevents ambiguity. Alternatives like ""a common procedure"" or ""the established norm"" may offer more precise meanings depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the established norm

Highlights the normative aspect, suggesting adherence to a standard.

a common procedure

Replaces 'practice' with 'procedure', focusing on a specific method.

the accepted method

Focuses on the agreement or endorsement of a particular way of doing things.

a routine practice

Emphasizes the habitual and regular nature of the action.

a standard operating procedure

More formal and specific, implying an official set of instructions.

a typical approach

Indicates that the method is representative or characteristic.

a general custom

Shifts the focus to tradition and social norms.

a conventional manner

Highlights the traditional and unremarkable nature of the action.

a widespread habit

Emphasizes the routine or repetitive nature of the action.

a current trend

Focuses on the popularity and contemporary nature of the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a prevailing practice" to describe a common or widely accepted method or approach. For example, "In the field of education, "a prevailing practice" is to incorporate technology into the classroom to enhance learning."

What phrases are similar to "a prevailing practice"?

Alternatives include "a common procedure", "the established norm", or "a typical approach", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a prevailing practice" in formal writing?

It's appropriate to use "a prevailing practice" in formal writing when describing standard or widely accepted methods within a specific field. Ensure the context is clear and the practice is well-established.

What is the difference between "a prevailing practice" and "a best practice"?

"A prevailing practice" refers to what is commonly done, while "a best practice" indicates a method that is considered the most effective or optimal. "A prevailing practice" may not necessarily be the best.