prevailing narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

"prevailing narrative" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to popularly accepted ideas or stories, or a dominant point of view in a given situation. For example: "The prevailing narrative says that the economy is in a recession, but there are some signs of a possible recovery on the horizon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

I'm instinctively sceptical about such reports, because they are often exaggerated or distorted to serve the prevailing narrative – the idea that video games are addictive, destructive and encourage real-world violence.

The Guardian - Opinion

It fits the prevailing narrative about the Trump administration as perfectly as the last piece fits a jigsaw puzzle.

Los Angeles Times

But what the prevailing narrative increasingly ignores is that the origins of such virulent hatreds are here, not there, that we look always outward, never inward, because we rightly fear what we would see in ourselves as a nation.

Huffington Post

Draper also suggests that the prevailing narrative of Palin is of a "social-media visionary".

The New York Times - Magazine

Some Mississippi Republicans are comforted by a prevailing narrative that McDaniel's time has come and past.

The Washington Post

In the prevailing narrative of the rooftop solar industry, the dominant theme is combat.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Yet in Trump World, the prevailing narratives do not apply.

The Guardian

In many elections, the results ran explicitly counter to the prevailing narratives of the campaign.

The New York Times

Reporting should interrogate prevailing narratives but allow readers to unravel the truth for themselves".

The Guardian - Books

He's never merely telling a story, he's pitting his story against prevailing narratives about Pakistan, the roots of radicalization, the unevenness of economic growth.

The New York Times - Books

Shot over three years throughout West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, the project shows an Appalachian struggling to anchor and explore his identity against the region's prevailing narratives.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prevailing narrative" to succinctly refer to a dominant viewpoint or storyline, especially when contrasting it with alternative perspectives or challenging its validity.

Common error

Avoid using "prevailing narrative" excessively in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "dominant ideology", "current understanding", or "general consensus" to vary your language and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing narrative" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a widely accepted or dominant account, explanation, or interpretation of events, situations, or phenomena. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prevailing narrative" is a versatile and frequently used term across various domains, particularly in news, academia, and business. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It serves to denote a widely accepted viewpoint or storyline. While grammatically sound, it's important to use it judiciously, considering synonyms to avoid repetition. Common alternatives include ""dominant ideology"", ""current understanding"", and ""general consensus"". Understanding the nuances of these alternatives can enhance the precision and impact of your writing. Its prevalence in authoritative sources highlights its importance in conveying established viewpoints and challenging existing assumptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Dominant ideology

Focuses more on the underlying belief system that supports the narrative.

Current understanding

Emphasizes the present state of knowledge and interpretation.

General consensus

Highlights the agreement among a group of people regarding a particular view.

Popular belief

Stresses the widespread acceptance of an idea, regardless of its factual basis.

Established wisdom

Implies that the narrative has been accepted for a significant period of time.

Conventional view

Indicates a traditional or standard perspective on a topic.

Common wisdom

Refers to knowledge believed to be true by many people.

Public perception

Focuses on how the general public views a specific issue or event.

Received opinion

Indicates that the narrative has been passed down or inherited.

Accepted storyline

Emphasizes the narrative as a constructed and accepted sequence of events.

FAQs

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

You can use "prevailing narrative" to describe a widely accepted viewpoint or story. For example: "The "dominant ideology" is that hard work always leads to success, but this isn't always the case."

What are some alternatives to "prevailing narrative"?

Alternatives include "dominant ideology", "current understanding", or "general consensus", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "prevailing narrative" in formal writing?

Yes, "prevailing narrative" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to refer to a dominant viewpoint. However, always consider your audience and the specific context of your writing.

What is the difference between "prevailing narrative" and "dominant narrative"?

While similar, "prevailing narrative" emphasizes the widespread acceptance of the narrative, whereas "dominant narrative" highlights its power and influence. The choice depends on whether you want to stress popularity or control.