is prevailed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is prevailed" is not correct or usable in written English.
You could use the phrasal verb "prevail" in its correct and usable form. For example, "The school's tradition of excellence has prevailed for decades."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

In the ensuing parties, faither is prevailed upon to sing the Red Flag.

Independent

Because of various political and economic problems, Mr. Krikalev is prevailed upon to stay aboard Mir.

The New York Times

But Dalgliesh knows nothing of this when he is prevailed upon to visit St. Anselm's by the dead student's wealthy father.

The New York Times - Books

Isabella, Claudio's sister, about to take her vows as a nun (Sanaa Lathan), is prevailed upon to plead with Angelo for mercy.

The New York Times

In one uproarious scene, Debbie is shown having met a young man, who is prevailed upon to administer some late-night oral sex back at the hairdressing salon - one of the few scenes in which someone is shown enjoying herself.

The Guardian

What's your secret?" In another, she is prevailed upon to promote Breathing – a single, it's worth remembering, about an unborn baby slowly dying of radiation poisoning – by explaining her vegetarian diet to Delia Smith.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

When SiO vapor is prevail, the following reaction will occur: (3).

Nanoscale Research Letters

He was prevailed upon to restore the old gods.

The New Yorker

Denis Healey was prevailed on to ease him out.

The Guardian

Theodore Roosevelt was prevailed upon by the Emperor to help bring about the 1906 conference in Algeciras.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even the Saudis were prevailed on to hold some (men only) local elections.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the passive construction "is prevailed". Instead, use active voice constructions or other alternatives like "prevails" or "is common" for clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Many writers incorrectly use passive voice with "prevail", leading to awkward phrasing. To avoid this, ensure that you are using "prevail" in its active form (e.g., "Justice will prevail") or opt for alternative expressions.

Linguistic Context

Incorrect Passive Construction: The phrase "is prevailed" attempts to use "prevail" in a passive voice construction. However, "prevail" is typically used in an active sense. Ludwig provides examples highlighting the misuse of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is prevailed" is generally considered grammatically incorrect, as highlighted by Ludwig. While examples exist, particularly in news and scientific contexts, it's crucial to opt for grammatically sound alternatives like "prevails", "is common", or "is dominant" to ensure clarity and accuracy. When aiming to convey that something is widespread or dominant, consider using these alternatives to maintain grammatical correctness and enhance your writing. Always favor correct sentence structures, especially in formal and professional contexts. Using alternatives helps avoid misuse and ensures that your message is communicated effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevails

Focuses on the action of prevailing, without specifying an actor.

is common

Indicates something is frequently encountered or observed.

is dominant

Highlights the position of power or control.

is predominant

Suggests that something is the main or most noticeable element.

is widespread

Implies extensive occurrence or distribution.

holds sway

Indicates influence or control over something.

gains acceptance

Focuses on the process of being accepted or approved.

becomes established

Emphasizes the process of something becoming firmly rooted or recognized.

takes precedence

Implies a higher priority or importance.

is in effect

Suggests that something is operational or being implemented.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the word "prevail" in a sentence?

Use "prevail" in its active form, such as "Justice will "prevail"", or opt for alternatives that better fit your intended meaning.

What are some alternatives to the incorrect phrase "is prevailed"?

Consider using phrases like "is common", "is dominant", or simply "prevails" depending on the context.

Is "is prevailed" grammatically correct?

No, "is prevailed" is not grammatically correct. The correct usage involves using "prevail" in its active form or choosing a more suitable alternative phrase.

What's the difference between "is prevailed" and "prevails"?

"Is prevailed" is grammatically incorrect, while "prevails" is the correct active form. For example, "Optimism prevails" is correct, whereas "Optimism is prevailed" is incorrect.