mainstream opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

"mainstream opinion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to beliefs that the majority of people hold. For example, "The mainstream opinion on diversity in the workplace has shifted significantly in the last decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now it reflects mainstream opinion among Republican activists.

The New Yorker

"Internet media must always make nurturing positive, progressive mainstream opinion an important duty".

The New York Times

Mainstream opinion sees her as a turncoat whose books degrade Russia and Russians.

The Guardian - Books

Mainstream opinion has come to accept this and many other things.

The Guardian - Books

But who really believes that this Britain exists today when it comes to mainstream opinion?

The Guardian - Opinion

And once outlandish ideas are finding their way into mainstream opinion.

The New York Times - Magazine

James Frayne, author of the report, said: "Westminster politics has become detached from mainstream opinion.

The Guardian

As in the US, these extremists do not reflect mainstream opinion.

The Guardian - Opinion

But they would help to reconnect it with mainstream opinion and its own supporters.

The Guardian - Opinion

What is striking is how little effect these suggestions have on mainstream opinion.

The Guardian - Books

"It gives them a sense that they're mainly out of touch with mainstream opinion with the Arab world.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mainstream opinion", be mindful of the specific context and ensure it accurately reflects the dominant viewpoint within that context. Avoid assuming a universal "mainstream opinion" when perspectives may vary across different groups or regions.

Common error

Avoid presenting "mainstream opinion" as monolithic or unchanging. Recognize that opinions evolve, and what is considered mainstream can shift over time and differ across communities. Nuance your language to acknowledge potential variations and avoid overgeneralizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mainstream opinion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates it's correct and usable in written English. It names a generally accepted viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mainstream opinion" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to a widely held belief or attitude, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media where objective reporting is key. While useful for referencing common viewpoints, it's important to avoid overgeneralization and acknowledge that what constitutes "mainstream opinion" can shift and vary across groups. Alternatives like "prevailing view" or "common consensus" can offer more nuanced expressions depending on the specific context. Always use caution when referencing popular views, as they're not always accurate or reflect all points of view.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevailing view

Focuses on the dominance or acceptance of the opinion.

common consensus

Highlights the agreement or shared belief among people.

general belief

Emphasizes the widespread acceptance of a particular idea.

public sentiment

Refers to the feelings or attitudes held by the public.

conventional wisdom

Implies a long-held and widely accepted belief, often without critical examination.

accepted norm

Highlights how the belief is standard practice within a group.

popular thought

Refers to ideas that are currently favoured or widely held.

dominant ideology

Emphasizes the power structures behind the opinion.

collective mindset

Focuses on a shared way of thinking.

established view

Highlights the long-standing existence and acceptance of the opinion.

FAQs

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

You can use "mainstream opinion" to refer to a widely held belief or attitude. For example, "Mainstream opinion supports efforts to reduce carbon emissions".

What's a good alternative to "mainstream opinion"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "prevailing view", "common consensus", or "general belief".

How does "mainstream opinion" differ from "majority opinion"?

"Mainstream opinion" refers to the most widely accepted view, which may not always be held by a simple majority. It also takes into account influence and prominence, not just numbers. "Majority opinion" simply indicates the view held by more than 50% of a group.

Is "mainstream opinion" always correct or accurate?

No, "mainstream opinion" reflects what is commonly believed, but it isn't necessarily true or accurate. It can be based on incomplete information, biases, or cultural norms. It is important to critically assess any "mainstream opinion".