dominant narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

"dominant narrative" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a widely accepted version or interpretation of an event, idea, or topic. For example: "The dominant narrative surrounding the American Revolution is that it was a civil war fought over issues of taxation and representation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At least, that was the dominant narrative.

The New Yorker

Chinese art is the dominant narrative".

The New York Times - Arts

It totally counters the dominant narrative".

The Guardian

But the dominant narrative of sleep has undoubtedly changed.

The Guardian - Opinion

There were only a few demurrals from that dominant narrative.

The New York Times

This book may cause you to question the dominant narrative.

The Guardian - Opinion

At least not according to the dominant narrative.

The Guardian

This situation stands in stark contrast to the dominant narrative on Myanmar today.

The New York Times

The problem is that this dominant narrative abandons millions of disabled people.

The Guardian

In our different ways we all challenged the dominant narrative, the narrative of the victors.

The Guardian - Books

Beyond the street confrontations, Israelis and Palestinians have fought for the dominant narrative.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When challenging the "dominant narrative", provide credible evidence and alternative perspectives to support your counter-argument. Clear examples are essential.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "dominant narrative" as a mere buzzword. Ensure it accurately reflects a prevailing viewpoint and avoid using it when the narrative isn't widely accepted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dominant narrative" functions as a noun phrase, where "dominant" modifies the noun "narrative". It identifies a prevailing viewpoint or storyline. Ludwig AI shows the phrase is used to describe commonly accepted or influential accounts of events, ideas, or social phenomena.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dominant narrative" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing a prevailing or widely accepted viewpoint or story. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly employed in news, academic, and opinion contexts. While its use is widespread, it's crucial to ensure accurate reflection of a genuinely prevalent viewpoint and to avoid overuse as a mere buzzword. Alternatives such as "prevailing narrative" or "mainstream narrative" can provide nuance depending on the specific context. When engaging with or challenging a "dominant narrative", supporting arguments with evidence is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevailing narrative

Emphasizes the widespread acceptance of the narrative.

mainstream narrative

Highlights the narrative's conventional or widely accepted nature.

accepted viewpoint

Focuses on the agreement and endorsement surrounding the perspective.

ruling interpretation

Suggests the narrative has authority and influence.

common understanding

Stresses the shared and collective nature of the narrative.

conventional wisdom

Indicates a widely held belief or assumption.

established account

Highlights the narrative's history and entrenchment.

popular belief

Focuses on the widespread acceptance among the general population.

overarching theme

Shifts the focus to the central and pervasive nature of the theme.

leading perspective

Emphasizes the influence and prominence of the viewpoint.

FAQs

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

You can use "dominant narrative" to describe a prevailing or widely accepted viewpoint, for example: "The study challenges the "dominant narrative" that technology always improves society."

What's an alternative to "dominant narrative"?

Alternatives include "prevailing narrative", "mainstream narrative", or "accepted viewpoint", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to challenge the "dominant narrative"?

While critical thinking is valuable, challenging the "dominant narrative" should be done responsibly, with careful consideration of evidence and potential consequences.

What's the difference between "dominant narrative" and "popular opinion"?

While both involve widespread acceptance, "dominant narrative" implies a more structured and pervasive storyline or interpretation, while "popular opinion" may be a more general sentiment or belief.