prevailing attitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prevailing attitude" is correct and is used in written English.
It refers to the dominant opinion that exists within a particular group or culture, which may be expressed as a shared belief or sentiment among the majority of people in that group. For example, "The prevailing attitude in this organisation is one of fairness and respect for everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sen. Hunphrey, one of the Democrats Vice-Presidential possibilities, express the prevailing attitude when he said.

The New Yorker

Marty Markowitz, the Brooklyn borough president, summed up the prevailing attitude in a phone interview.

The New York Times

Discusses prevailing attitude toward girls of Lee Ann's class and their sexual freedom.

The New Yorker

In that sense, CGI may represent the prevailing attitude downtown: to stay put.

The New York Times

What does he make of the prevailing attitude compared to that of his generation?

The Guardian - Books

In doing that, they honestly if unreflectively capture the country's prevailing attitude at the time.

The New York Times - Books

Since Monday evening last week, the prevailing attitude has been one of compassion.

Vice

Her prevailing attitude, in sum, was that such trivia remains altogether irrelevant to his job description.

Huffington Post

These two goals need not be mutually exclusive, but Hollywood's prevailing attitude makes it seem that way.

Huffington Post

The prevailing attitude is expressible as a wicked chuckle.

The New York Times

That was the prevailing attitude of the court for decades.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prevailing attitude" to describe a widespread opinion or sentiment within a specific group or context. Be sure to clarify the group or context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "prevailing attitude" without specifying whose attitude you're referring to. For example, instead of saying "The prevailing attitude is negative", specify "The prevailing attitude among the employees is negative".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing attitude" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a widespread or dominant sentiment within a group. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is considered grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prevailing attitude" effectively captures a dominant sentiment or opinion within a group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, notably in news, business and science. When using this phrase, clarify the specific group or context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "dominant opinion" or "general sentiment". By considering these insights, writers can confidently use "prevailing attitude" to convey shared perspectives with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominant opinion

Replaces "attitude" with "opinion", focusing on the cognitive aspect of a widespread view.

general sentiment

Substitutes "attitude" with "sentiment", emphasizing the emotional aspect of a widespread feeling.

common viewpoint

Replaces "attitude" with "viewpoint", highlighting the perspective shared by many.

accepted wisdom

Implies that the "attitude" is not only common but also regarded as truth.

widespread belief

Focuses on the cognitive assent to a proposition shared by a large group.

current thinking

Highlights the contemporary nature of the shared "attitude".

popular mindset

Replaces "attitude" with "mindset", focusing on the general way of thinking.

collective consciousness

Points to a shared awareness and understanding within a group.

conventional wisdom

Similar to "accepted wisdom", but may imply a more traditional or long-standing "attitude".

the mood of the moment

Describes the general feeling that is affecting people at a specific time.

FAQs

How can I use "prevailing attitude" in a sentence?

You can use "prevailing attitude" to describe the common sentiment or opinion within a group. For instance, "The "prevailing attitude" among scientists is that more research is needed".

What's a good substitute for "prevailing attitude"?

Consider using phrases such as "dominant opinion", "general sentiment", or "common viewpoint" as alternatives depending on the context.

Is "prevailing attitude" formal or informal?

"Prevailing attitude" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase for various writing styles.

How does "prevailing attitude" differ from "popular opinion"?

"Prevailing attitude" refers to the dominant sentiment or perspective within a specific group or context, while "popular opinion" generally refers to the views held by the majority of people in a broader population.