predominant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "predominant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is the most common or prevalent in a particular context or situation. Example: "The predominant color in the painting is blue, which creates a calming effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it need not, and should not, be the predominant way we learn and communicate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Singh's rose water is nice in his plain lassi, and would work well with red fruits, but the predominant flavours here should be sweet mango and creamy dairy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The takeover of BG can be seen as an opportunity for Shell to bulk up in Brazil; or as a chance to leap to the top of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market, where BG is predominant; or as a cost-cutting exercise.

The Guardian - Business

Ever since then the predominant image has been one of oppressive orthodoxy from which the heroic rock star/poet/actor must escape to live out his wild destiny, possibly in Hoxton.

The Guardian - Opinion

With the Labour leadership candidates trashing all that was good about Ed Miliband and talking of Blairism, and the Lib Dems not much better, there is a gaping hole in this country for a strong social democratic political party not afraid of the predominant rightwing press and able to promote many of the good things which worked when left-of-centre politics held power.

The Guardian

A child might write: 'This is a wonderful day, #sunny,' for example, or: 'I have the best family, #fantasticfamily.' Social media and mobile technology are the predominant themes of 2015, demonstrated by some of the top 20 words to see a significant rise in use over the past 12 months – zoella, selfie, blog, YouTube and youtuber.

The Guardian - Tech

This beginner-level evening course introduces the predominant skills and formats employed in fashion writing through a series of talks, as well as practical exercises in news-writing and catwalk reporting.

The Guardian

And this pattern, which we last saw in the 19th century, has become even more predominant since the 1980s when controls on capital were lifted in many rich countries".

The Guardian - Books

"Unfortunately we are living in a climate in Kansas where serving the common good is not the predominant viewpoint".

The Guardian

You will not be surprised to learn that the predominant hair colour is grey.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a newish model for gaming, and one that is rapidly becoming the predominant way of doing game business on smartphones.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "predominant", ensure the context clearly defines the area in which something is most common or influential. For instance, specify the region, field, or group where the trend is "predominant".

Common error

Avoid using "predominant" without specifying the domain or scope of its prevalence. Saying something is "predominant" without context lacks precision and weakens the statement.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "predominant" primarily functions to modify nouns, indicating that something is the most common or influential element in a particular context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes prevalence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "predominant" is a frequently used adjective that signifies something as most common or influential in a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. The analysis reveals its prevalence in news, formal business, and scientific domains, emphasizing its role in highlighting key trends and viewpoints. While alternatives like "dominant" or "prevailing" exist, "predominant" specifically underscores prevalence. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify the scope or domain in which something is "predominant". Avoid using it vaguely. Overall, "predominant" is a valuable adjective for precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominant

Implies a position of power or control, whereas "predominant" focuses more on prevalence.

prevailing

Refers to what is currently accepted or most common, often in a specific time or place.

chief

Emphasizes importance and authority, sometimes suggesting leadership.

principal

Highlights the main or most important aspect of something.

major

Indicates a large size, quantity, or degree, suggesting significance.

paramount

Stresses the ultimate importance or superiority.

overriding

Suggests a force that takes precedence over other considerations.

supreme

Conveys the highest level of authority or excellence.

ruling

Often refers to a controlling influence or authority, especially in governance.

ascendant

Indicates a rising power or influence, often in a competitive context.

FAQs

How to use "predominant" in a sentence?

Use "predominant" to describe something that is the most common or influential element in a particular context. For example, "The "predominant" language spoken in this region is Spanish."

What can I say instead of "predominant"?

You can use alternatives like "dominant", "prevailing", or "chief", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "predominant" or "predominate"?

"Predominant" is an adjective, describing something that is most common or influential. "Predominate" is a verb, meaning to be the strongest or main element. For example, "The color blue is "predominant" in the painting" versus "Blue tones "predominate" in the painting."

What's the difference between "predominant" and "prevalent"?

While both words indicate something common, "predominant" suggests a stronger influence or control, whereas "prevalent" simply means widely existing or occurring. The "predominant" view carries more weight than just a "prevalent" one.