dominant theory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dominant theory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the prevailing or most widely accepted explanation or model within a particular field of study or discipline. Example: "The dominant theory in climate science suggests that human activities are the primary drivers of global warming."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It remains the dominant theory.

The New York Times

The dominant theory at the Police Dept.

The New Yorker

The greatest scientific triumph is to falsify a dominant theory.

The Guardian - Opinion

The dominant theory was that cancer was viral.

The New York Times - Science

But the dominant theory is that Mr. Gore simply does not connect with people.

The New York Times

That's certainly the dominant theory in the Senate, and it's fairly common in the House, too.

The Washington Post

It's just an alternate theory that ought to make us question the dominant theory.

The Washington Post

Could behavioral economics move into that position as a dominant theory?

Yale University

Graduate students who stray too far from the dominant theory and methods seriously reduce their chances of getting an academic job.

The New York Times - Books

Or if you are a political scientist you might say the dominant theory of this period is the explosion of democracy around the world and diversity at home.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This agrees with the co-dominant theory of inheritance for the fatty acids as proposed by Ong et al. [ 24].

BMC Plant Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Cite relevant sources to support your claim that a particular theory is indeed the "dominant theory".

Common error

Avoid presenting the "dominant theory" as an absolute truth. Acknowledge that scientific understanding evolves, and what's dominant today may be challenged or refined in the future.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dominant theory" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific theory that currently holds the most widespread acceptance within a particular field. Ludwig shows examples where it clarifies concepts or explains phenomena.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

38%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dominant theory" accurately describes the most accepted explanation for a phenomenon in a given field. As Ludwig AI highlights, this term is prevalent in academic, scientific, and news contexts, reflecting its utility in discussing established concepts. While grammatically sound and widely used, it's crucial to acknowledge that scientific understanding is ever-evolving, and the "dominant theory" of today may be subject to change. Be sure to provide context and cite sources when using this phrase, avoiding oversimplification and acknowledging alternative perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevailing theory

Emphasizes the widespread acceptance and current prevalence of the theory.

leading theory

Highlights the theory's position as a frontrunner or primary explanation.

mainstream theory

Focuses on the theory's integration into the accepted body of knowledge.

accepted theory

Underscores the agreement and endorsement the theory receives.

established theory

Highlights the theory's long-standing and well-supported nature.

current understanding

Refers to the present, generally agreed-upon explanation.

conventional wisdom

Implies a widely held belief or explanation, often uncritical.

reigning paradigm

Emphasizes the theory's influence and control over a particular field.

predominant view

Highlights the widespread agreement of this view.

widely held belief

Suggests a common conviction, which may or may not be based on rigorous evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "dominant theory" to describe the most widely accepted explanation for a phenomenon. For example, "The "prevailing theory" in cosmology is the Big Bang theory."

What are some alternatives to "dominant theory"?

Alternatives include ""prevailing theory"", "leading theory", or "mainstream theory", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to challenge the "dominant theory" in academic writing?

Yes, critical analysis and questioning of established ideas are encouraged in academic discourse. However, ensure your arguments are well-supported by evidence and acknowledge the existing body of knowledge.

What's the difference between "dominant theory" and "hypothesis"?

A "dominant theory" is a well-substantiated explanation, while a hypothesis is a testable prediction or proposed explanation that hasn't yet been rigorously tested. The "accepted theory" has already been proven.