predominant thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "predominant thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the most important or influential aspect of a situation or topic. Example: "In this discussion, the predominant thing to consider is the impact of climate change on our environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And when that happens, Mr. Eastlake said, "freak accidents will end up being the predominant thing".

The New York Times

"I think the predominant thing to pay attention to is diet," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was always one of the predominant things in our family.

The New Yorker

If you get sufficient amount of sleep, your right nostril will automatically be predominant first thing in the morning.

Huffington Post

Cf. "Nothing is really solid or fluid, absolutely speaking, and everything has a certain degree of solidity or fluidity; which term we apply to a thing derives from the predominant appearance it presents to our senses" (SD 51/AG 1351/AG

SEP

The predominant emotional gestalt of the whole thing is downright dour in places.

Vice

Jfutral commented: “As long as we are a consumerist society, where buying things is still the predominant way of acquiring pretty much anything, renting will always have a less appealing air about it.”.

Forbes

We are all grateful that this way of looking at things is not the predominant mode in our time, but Yom HaShoah, the Day of Destruction, reminds us of the radical threat that such inbuilt anti-Jewish prejudice poses.

Huffington Post

The thing about it being the predominant way people work right now is that most people have never known anything else.

Vice

Before pregnancy, the predominant reason for having trouble sleeping was "things on my mind" (51%); however, by the third trimester, this was superseded by discomfort (67%), although pain and "things on my mind" still featured in 36% of respondents.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Once we started getting arrested because of fights, because of minor crimes and other things, we had to assimilate to the predominant culture inside the juvenile hall system, which is the more traditional gang style.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "predominant thing", ensure it clearly identifies the most significant aspect among several others. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "predominant thing" in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "main thing" or "key focus" often sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "predominant thing" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "predominant" modifies the noun "thing". It serves to identify a specific entity as the most important or influential one in a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers examples of its use.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "predominant thing" pinpoints the most influential or significant aspect within a context. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its appearance in neutral to formal writing. While its use is relatively rare, the phrase is best deployed when precision is required, and a simpler substitute like "main thing" or "key element" might dilute the intended emphasis. Remember to avoid overuse in casual speech for maintaining register appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Main thing

This alternative is a more common and simpler way to express the primary focus or concern.

Primary thing

Using "primary" instead of "predominant" maintains a similar level of formality, indicating the chief element.

Key element

Replaces "thing" with "element", emphasizing a crucial component or aspect.

Principal aspect

Substitutes both words to give a slightly more formal and analytical tone.

Overriding factor

This alternative suggests a factor that takes precedence over others.

Most important aspect

Breaks down the phrase into simpler terms, focusing on the significance of a specific aspect.

Central concern

Shifts the focus to a matter of importance or worry.

Dominant feature

Highlights a characteristic that stands out the most.

Foremost consideration

Emphasizes something that must be thought about before everything else.

Crucial point

Directly indicates a critical element for attention or action.

FAQs

What does "predominant thing" mean?

The phrase "predominant thing" refers to the most important, noticeable, or influential aspect or element of something. It indicates what stands out above all else in a given context.

What can I say instead of "predominant thing"?

You can use alternatives like "main thing", "primary thing", or "key element" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "predominant thing" in academic writing?

Yes, "predominant thing" is appropriate for academic writing when you need to clearly identify the most significant aspect or factor. However, consider whether a more precise term might be more suitable for the specific context.

How does "predominant thing" differ from "major thing"?

"Predominant thing" suggests something that is most noticeable or influential, while "major thing" simply indicates something that is important or significant. "Predominant" carries a stronger sense of standing out above all others.