a prevailing topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a prevailing topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a subject or theme that is dominant or widely discussed in a particular context or situation. Example: "In today's society, climate change has become a prevailing topic in political debates and discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Breastfeeding women's expectations of health care providers emerged as a prevailing topic of discussion in these interviews.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Gene family is becoming a prevailing topic in genomic research.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But vacancies are a prevailing theme - even in civic buildings.

BBC

Different chemical techniques of formation of nano-structures on the surface of C-Si solar cell, has been the prevailing topic of scholarly investigations of the stipulated time period.

Materials Today: Proceedings

Hosted by ILR's New York City-based Institute for Workplace Studies IWSS) and moderated by Associate Professor and IWS director Louis Hyman, the lively discussion centered on disruptive technology, the decline of traditional employment opportunities, the emergence of the gig economy, Universal Basic Income, and other prevailing topics transforming the world of work.

Cornell University

Holes, in fact, were a prevailing theme.

The New York Times

Courage redefined is a prevailing theme at this year's Berlinale.

HuffPost

Carter, Kennedy writes, "maintains that, at least with respect to certain topics, most notably affirmative action, a prevailing orthodoxy exerts undue pressure, stigmatizing dissident positions to such an extent that people holding heterodox ideas either silence themselves or speak out knowing that they will pay a frightful price with their reputations".

The New York Times - Books

Politics remains a prevailing aspect of Albany.

Britannica

She lacked a doctrine, a prevailing call.

The Guardian - Books

Their enthusiasm reflects a prevailing mood.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a prevailing topic", ensure that the context clearly establishes why the topic is considered dominant or widespread. Provide specific examples or evidence to support the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "a prevailing topic" without providing context or evidence. Ensure that the topic truly holds widespread relevance and isn't just a personal observation. Provide specific examples or data to support your assertion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prevailing topic" functions as a noun phrase, where "prevailing" acts as an adjective modifying "topic". It identifies a subject of widespread interest or discussion. Ludwig provides examples of its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a prevailing topic" is a phrase used to describe a subject that is currently dominant or frequently discussed. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic settings. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys the widespread relevance of a particular issue or theme. To enhance clarity, it is recommended to provide context and evidence when using this phrase. Alternatives such as ""a common theme"" or ""a major issue"" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common theme

This alternative replaces "topic" with "theme" and "prevailing" with "common", suggesting a frequently recurring idea.

a dominant subject

This alternative uses "dominant" instead of "prevailing" and "subject" in place of "topic", conveying a sense of importance and focus.

a major issue

This alternative substitutes "topic" with "issue" and "prevailing" with "major", emphasizing the significance and concern associated with the topic.

a central theme

This alternative replaces "prevailing" with "central", highlighting the core and essential nature of the topic.

a recurring subject

This alternative replaces "prevailing" with "recurring", emphasizing the repetitive nature of the topic.

a frequent subject

This alternative uses "frequent" in place of "prevailing", suggesting that the subject is discussed often.

a key theme

This alternative uses "key" instead of "prevailing", highlighting the importance of the theme.

a popular subject

This alternative replaces "prevailing" with "popular", indicating widespread interest in the subject.

a widespread issue

This alternative uses "widespread" instead of "prevailing", conveying that the issue affects many people.

a hot topic

This alternative is more informal, indicating a topic that is currently generating much discussion and interest.

FAQs

What does "a prevailing topic" mean?

The phrase "a prevailing topic" refers to a subject or theme that is currently dominant, widespread, or frequently discussed in a particular context or environment. It implies that the topic is of significant interest or concern to many people.

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

You can use "a prevailing topic" in a sentence to indicate a subject that is currently receiving a lot of attention or discussion. For example: "In today's political climate, immigration reform is "a prevailing topic"."

What are some alternatives to "a prevailing topic"?

Some alternatives to "a prevailing topic" include "a common theme", "a dominant subject", or "a major issue". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a prevailing topic" formal or informal?

"A prevailing topic" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more informal alternatives like "a hot topic" might be more suitable for casual conversations.