dominant idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dominant idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main or prevailing concept in a discussion, argument, or piece of writing. Example: "The dominant idea in her essay was the importance of environmental conservation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

That was the dominant idea.

The New York Times

But the dominant idea is now under attack.

The Guardian - Business

When I went to jail in 1962, the dominant idea was that loss of life should be avoided.

The Guardian

The dominant idea in delimiting the holy place is to protect the sacred element and its mystery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Canada's educational philosophy emphasizes accountability and testing, and in that way it is similar to the dominant idea in public education today.

The New York Times - Magazine

How do we reconcile that with the dominant idea of housing as a commodity owned by faceless, nameless corporate elites who are left unaccountable to human rights obligations?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

We have yet to act outside of the dominant ideas of our time.

The New Yorker

The dominant ideas, approaches and insights of the vast majority of academic disciplines are produced by, for and about men.

The Guardian - Opinion

In African Sexualities, Nkiru Nzegwu describes that unlike the dominant ideas in 20th century sexology, in Osunality (or African eroticism) the penis is not in charge.

The Guardian

The 276 zametok po fizike i korpuskulyarnoy filosofi ("276 Notes on Corpuscular Philosophy and Physics") set forth the dominant ideas of his scientific work.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He veered from Marxist economic determinism to describe class conflict in terms of culture — the "hegemony" of dominant ideas and forms requiring a growth of contrary ideas and forms from below.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "dominant idea", ensure it accurately reflects the primary or most influential concept within your context. Avoid using it when referring to minor or less significant concepts.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "dominant idea" is universally accepted or inherently correct. It simply represents the most influential or prevalent perspective, which may still be subject to debate or criticism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dominant idea" functions as a noun phrase, where "dominant" acts as a pre-modifying adjective specifying the kind of idea. It identifies a primary or prevailing concept. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, highlighting its role in shaping perspectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dominant idea" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase, signifying the most influential or prevalent concept in a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. Its frequency across news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources indicates its versatility in formal and neutral registers. To enhance writing, ensure "dominant idea" accurately reflects the primary concept and avoid assuming universal acceptance. Consider alternatives like "main idea" or "prevailing thought" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main idea

Replaces "dominant" with "main", focusing on the central or key concept.

pivotal idea

Replaces "dominant" with "pivotal", emphasizing the importance and influence of the idea.

major idea

Uses "major" instead of "dominant", indicating significance but with a slightly less forceful connotation.

prominent idea

Uses "prominent" instead of "dominant", suggesting the idea is notable and easily recognized.

prevalent idea

Changes "dominant" to "prevalent", emphasizing the widespread existence or acceptance of the idea.

leading idea

Uses "leading" instead of "dominant", indicating that the idea is guiding or directing thought.

overwhelming idea

Substitutes "dominant" with "overwhelming", highlighting the pervasive and influential nature of the idea.

pervasive idea

Changes "dominant" to "pervasive", indicating the widespread acceptance or influence of the idea.

paramount idea

Substitutes "dominant" with "paramount", highlighting the supreme importance of the idea.

hegemonic idea

Replaces "dominant" with "hegemonic", conveying the idea's cultural or political dominance.

FAQs

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

You can use "dominant idea" to refer to the main or prevailing concept in a discussion, argument, or piece of writing. For example: "The "dominant idea" in her essay was the importance of environmental conservation."

What can I say instead of "dominant idea"?

You can use alternatives like "main idea", "prevailing thought", or "central theme" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "dominant idea" and "popular belief"?

Yes, while both relate to widespread acceptance, "dominant idea" refers to a prevailing concept or theory, whereas "popular belief" refers to a widely held opinion or conviction.

How do I identify the "dominant idea" in a text?

Look for the central concept that the author emphasizes and returns to throughout the text. The ""dominant idea"" often encapsulates the core argument or message.