a prevalent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a prevalent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is widespread or commonly found in a particular context or situation. Example: "In recent years, misinformation has become a prevalent issue on social media platforms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a prevalent problem.

The New York Times

His is a prevalent view these days.

The New York Times

A prevalent source of error is mistaken eyewitness testimony.

The New Yorker

"Whiteness" became a prevalent category with the racialization of slavery.

The New York Times

Music seems to be a prevalent theme for the Smithsonian Institution this summer.

The New York Times - Arts

"Abortion isn't such an issue, because getting pregnant isn't such a prevalent problem among my peers".

The New York Times - Style

The myth of young genius is a prevalent one in the theatre.

The Guardian

The quest to be in the right state of mind is a prevalent trend.

The Guardian - Tech

It's because we don't have a prevalent Latin community in the UK".

The Guardian - Music

I had a prevalent sense that people looked at women's art differently.

The Guardian - Arts

During my association with Model T's, self-starters were not a prevalent accessory.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a prevalent", ensure the context clearly identifies what is widespread or common. This adds clarity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a prevalent" as a vague descriptor. Always specify what exactly is prevalent and, if possible, provide evidence or context to support the claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prevalent" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies is widespread, common, or frequently occurring. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a prevalent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase indicating that something is widespread or commonly found. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's versatile across various contexts, but particularly prominent in scientific and news-related content. While interchangeable with synonyms like "a common" or "a widespread", it’s crucial to maintain specificity regarding what's being described as prevalent to avoid vagueness. Ludwig's examples show authoritative sources employ it regularly, cementing its place in formal and neutral writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a widespread

This alternative emphasizes the extent of something being common or distributed across a large area or group.

a common

This option is a direct and simple synonym, suggesting that something occurs frequently or is generally known.

a frequent

Highlights the repeated occurrence of something, focusing on how often it happens.

a prevailing

This suggests that something is currently dominant or widely accepted at a particular time.

a predominant

Indicates that something is the main or most noticeable element or characteristic.

a pervasive

This emphasizes the way something spreads throughout or affects everything in an environment.

a general

Suggests something is widespread and applicable to many situations or people, lacking specific focus.

a rampant

Implies something is spreading uncontrollably or is very widespread, often with negative connotations.

a customary

Focuses on how something aligns with established practices or traditions within a community.

an established

Highlights how something has been recognized, accepted, or used for a considerable duration.

FAQs

How can I use "a prevalent" in a sentence?

Use "a prevalent" to describe something that is common or widespread. For instance, "Misinformation is "a prevalent issue" on social media".

What are some alternatives to "a prevalent"?

You can use alternatives such as "a common", "a widespread", or "a frequent" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a prevalent" or "prevalent"?

Using "a prevalent" is suitable when referring to something specific, while "prevalent" alone can be used more generally. For example, "anxiety is a prevalent condition" versus "anxiety is prevalent".

What's the difference between "a prevalent" and "a common"?

"A prevalent" suggests something is widespread and often increasing, while "a common" simply means it occurs frequently without necessarily implying growth or spread.