mainstream

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mainstream" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to ideas, attitudes, or activities that are widely accepted or prevalent in society. Example: "The film's themes were considered too avant-garde for mainstream audiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sandi Toksvig, who launched WEP last month, said her decision to leave the News Quiz for politics was because: "It's very interesting that most of the mainstream parties seem to treat women's issues as if we were a minority group rather than in fact what we are, which is the majority of the country … you get childcare talked about as if it was only a woman's issue".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In recent years, about a third of BME housing associations have disappeared, merging with other associations, shutting down or being swallowed by larger mainstream organisations.

The Guardian

The report represents the most significant political pressure yet to bring mindfulness into the mainstream and comes amid a boom in public interest in the practice, rooted in a 2,400-year-old 2,400-year-old 2,400-year-old

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But there is also opportunity in the new fluidity for all those aspiring third and fourth parties that are elbowing their way into the mainstream debate – from the Greens setting their sights on the Lib Dem votes to Ukip (doing the same to the Tories) and assorted nationalist aspirations, most boldly expressed by Alex Salmond.

The Guardian

He became a leading interpreter of the mainstream repertoire – in particular the symphonies of Mahler and Shostakovich, and the concertos of Brahms – but also of his country's music, which he conducted with a poignancy, briskness, power and beauty that borders on the unbearable.

The Guardian - Music

But to get there she has had to "detoxify" the party of its past and its tribal beliefs in order to make it appeal to those who are disillusioned with the mainstream right and left parties in France but who cannot bring themselves to vote for a group of racist thugs.

The Guardian

Behind the backs of mainstream channels, anime on the web has blossomed.

The Guardian

"You may go looking for anime on mainstream television," he said, "but anime's profile on mainstream UK television has always been relatively low – a few late-night screenings on Channel 4 and the occasional prime-time airing on Sci Fi".

The Guardian

While it is undoubtedly positive that the world (and by the world, we mean the press and social media) has appeared to embrace Jenner and all that she represents, it is less pleasing to see how she has, overnight, become subject to the same treatment as every other woman in the mainstream media.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Alliance party leader and Northern Ireland's justice minister, David Ford had demanded a recall of the Stormont assembly where he wants answers from mainstream unionist politicians about the violence.

The Guardian

"We are the readership that the mainstream parties need to keep on side but they've never tried with us," said one source.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mainstream" to describe ideas, trends, or media that are widely accepted and consumed by the general population. It's effective for contrasting with niche or alternative viewpoints.

Common error

Avoid using "mainstream" as a dismissive label without specific context. Instead of broadly criticizing "mainstream media", specify the biases or omissions you perceive.

Linguistic Context

The word "mainstream" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate something is common, widely accepted, or conventional. Ludwig's examples showcase its adjectival use across varied contexts like "mainstream media" and "mainstream parties".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "mainstream" is a versatile adjective widely used to denote ideas, media, or practices that are conventional and broadly accepted. As confirmed by Ludwig, it accurately describes entities within the dominant current of society. While typically neutral in register, care should be taken not to overuse it dismissively without providing specific context. Its frequent appearance in News & Media highlights its relevance in discussing prevailing trends and societal norms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

popular

Emphasizes widespread appeal and prevalence.

typical

Highlights conformity to a common pattern or type.

widely accepted

Highlights broad approval and agreement.

prevailing

Suggests current dominance and influence.

conventional

Focuses on adherence to established norms and practices.

standard

Refers to a commonly used or accepted measure.

established

Indicates a long-standing and recognized status.

dominant

Implies a leading or controlling position.

commonplace

Stresses the ordinary and unremarkable nature.

orthodox

Emphasizes adherence to traditional or established beliefs.

FAQs

How can I use "mainstream" in a sentence?

You can use "mainstream" to describe something widely accepted or popular, such as "The artist's work has gained popularity in the "mainstream media"" or "Mainstream opinions often influence political decisions".

What are some alternatives to using "mainstream"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "conventional", "popular", "widely accepted", or "established".

Is it correct to say "the mainstream"?

Yes, "the mainstream" is a correct and commonly used phrase to refer to the prevailing ideas, attitudes, or activities in a society.

What is the difference between "mainstream" and "alternative"?

"Mainstream" refers to what is widely accepted and common, while "alternative" refers to something that deviates from the norm or is outside of the commonly accepted ideas or practices.