prevailing doctrine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prevailing doctrine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the dominant or widely accepted theory or belief in a particular field or context, often in legal, philosophical, or academic discussions. Example: "The prevailing doctrine in constitutional law emphasizes the importance of individual rights over state interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Finally, we argue that our own interpretive account — the civil recourse theory of tort — is superior to Perry's in that it places notions of responsibility at the center of tort law while also making better sense of prevailing doctrine.

Harvard University

The prevailing doctrine was that of the so-called psychophysiological parallelism, which held that for every psychological fact there is a corresponding physiological fact that strictly determines it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

• To the Editor: Surely the prevailing doctrine, and the central foundation, of our political system is that of "one person, one vote".

The New York Times

The prevailing doctrine of ethos, as explained by ancient Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, was based on the belief that music has a direct effect upon the soul and actions of humankind.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Before the ruling on Thursday, the prevailing doctrine typically required the parent company to exert "direct and immediate" control over working conditions of employees at its franchisees or contractors to be considered a joint employer.

The New York Times

Instead, the prevailing doctrine is that of discriminatory effect or "disparate impact," the view that prejudice may be inferred from acts that ride on earlier disadvantage or modes of evaluation that assume a world in which only white males matter.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Each of these three prevailing doctrines provide important insights into the economy and in many ways are important guides to policy makers.

Huffington Post

Under prevailing antitrust doctrine, the burden of proof that a merger would result in higher prices rests with Washington.

The New York Times

There are, of course, circumstances when a change in the law will jeopardize an edifice which was reasonably constructed on the foundation of prevailing legal doctrine.

Cornell University

In the presidential election of 1876 he headed the minority Greenback Party ticket in order to place before the public his economic views, which ran counter to the prevailing deflationary doctrine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In his later critiques of literature, Lukács showed himself partial to the great bourgeois realist novelists of the 19th century, a preference that was denounced by proponents of the prevailing official doctrine of Socialist Realism in the Soviet Union.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing academic or legal topics, use "prevailing doctrine" to refer to widely accepted theories or principles within the field.

Common error

Avoid using "prevailing doctrine" in casual conversations or informal writing. It's better suited for formal, academic, or professional contexts where precision is important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing doctrine" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a widely accepted principle, belief, or theory within a specific context, often academic, legal, or philosophical. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prevailing doctrine" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase, especially in academic, legal, and formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It signifies a dominant or widely accepted theory or belief. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where precision and formality are required. Alternatives like "dominant theory" or "accepted principle" may be more suitable for informal settings. Remember that source quality matters; prioritizing authoritative sources enhances credibility. Using "prevailing doctrine" correctly and contextually will improve clarity and sophistication in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominant theory

Focuses on the idea of widespread acceptance and influence within a specific field.

accepted principle

Emphasizes the notion of general agreement and established validity.

established norm

Highlights the aspect of conventional practice and societal standards.

reigning belief

Stresses the current widespread acceptance of a particular idea.

common understanding

Suggests a shared interpretation or knowledge among a group.

current wisdom

Implies that the idea is both popular and considered knowledgeable.

conventional view

Indicates a traditional or standard perspective on a topic.

orthodox belief

Highlights adherence to traditional or established tenets.

prevailing ideology

Connects the concept to a broader system of thought and values.

dominant paradigm

Indicates a widely accepted framework for understanding a specific area of study.

FAQs

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

You can use "prevailing doctrine" to describe a widely accepted theory or principle in a particular field. For example, "The prevailing doctrine in constitutional law emphasizes individual rights."

What's the difference between "dominant theory" and "prevailing doctrine"?

"Dominant theory" generally refers to a leading explanation, while "prevailing doctrine" often implies an established and widely accepted principle, especially in legal or academic contexts.

What can I say instead of "prevailing doctrine"?

You can use alternatives like "accepted principle", "dominant theory", or "established norm" depending on the specific context.

Is "prevailing doctrine" suitable for casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "prevailing doctrine" is more appropriate for formal or academic discussions. Simpler terms like "common belief" or "accepted idea" might be better suited for casual contexts.