dominant opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dominant opinion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the prevailing or most widely held view on a particular issue or topic. Example: "In the debate about climate change, the dominant opinion among scientists is that immediate action is necessary to mitigate its effects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said it did not represent the "dominant opinion" within the administration.

The New York Times

Back in Rome, on Palm Sunday, the Pope himself spoke darkly of "the petty gossip of dominant opinion".

The New Yorker

His answer, a psychological one, says these leaders were followers conforming to the dominant opinion at the time.

The New York Times

In reality, the communiqué said, it was taken literally from the Pope's Palm Sunday homily, and referred to "the chatter of dominant opinion".

The Guardian - Opinion

Kosovo's independence has made Serbia's European path more difficult, he said, but attaching Serbia to the European Union will remain the dominant opinion inside the country.

The New York Times

But until the mould theory is proved or shattered, the dominant opinion will remain Cecil B. De Mille's images of slaves and whips.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Do you consciously express the dominant opinions of your readership?

The New York Times

Michael Eaton, the play's author, claims its characters are "wholly fictional creations" who represent the dominant opinions of families on either side of the Atlantic.

Independent

In "America's Unwritten Constitution," Akhil Reed Amar, a commendably unorthodox and, in some ways, iconoclastic constitutional scholar at Yale Law School, bucks dominant opinions on both sides of the political spectrum.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. George writes: In "America's Unwritten Constitution," Akhil Reed Amar, a commendably unorthodox and, in some ways, iconoclastic constitutional scholar at Yale Law School, bucks dominant opinions on both sides of the political spectrum.

The New York Times

It's only so long, that's one of the results of having this rising independence, you can no longer get [by] with, for decades being completely out of [step] with the dominant opinions held by the base of your political party.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that you acknowledge the existence of the "dominant opinion", even when presenting alternative viewpoints. This adds credibility to your argument by demonstrating awareness of the existing landscape of thought.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "dominant opinion" is universally accepted or unchangeable. Acknowledge potential counterarguments and the possibility of shifts in popular belief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dominant opinion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a widely held or influential belief. Ludwig AI confirms that is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dominant opinion" effectively conveys the concept of a prevailing or widely accepted viewpoint. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is commonly employed in various contexts, including news reporting, scientific research, and academic discussions. While the phrase is useful for identifying common beliefs, it's important to acknowledge that even "dominant opinions" are subject to change and scrutiny. Consider alternative phrases like "prevailing view" or "majority view" for nuanced expression. Be mindful not to overstate the absolute acceptance of any single opinion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevailing view

Emphasizes the widespread acceptance of a particular perspective.

majority view

Highlights that the opinion is held by the greater number of people.

accepted wisdom

Suggests that the opinion is widely believed and considered to be true.

conventional wisdom

Implies that the opinion is commonly held, although possibly without critical examination.

general consensus

Focuses on the agreement among a group of people.

popular belief

Highlights the widespread acceptance of the idea among the public.

common understanding

Emphasizes that the opinion is broadly understood and shared.

established thought

Suggests that the opinion has been accepted for a long time.

reigning theory

Indicates that the opinion is a widely accepted theory in a particular field.

mainstream thought

Highlights that the opinion is within the boundaries of what is considered typical.

FAQs

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

You can use "dominant opinion" to refer to the most widely held view on a particular topic. For example, "The "dominant opinion" among economists is that interest rates will rise."

What's the difference between "prevailing opinion" and "dominant opinion"?

While both phrases refer to a widely held view, "dominant opinion" suggests that the view has more influence or power, whereas "prevailing opinion" simply indicates what is currently most common.

What are some alternatives to "dominant opinion"?

You can use alternatives like "majority view", "prevailing view", or "accepted wisdom" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to agree with the "dominant opinion" in academic writing?

No, academic writing often involves challenging or questioning the "dominant opinion". However, it's important to acknowledge its existence and provide evidence-based arguments for your alternative perspective.