prevailing notions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prevailing notions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to commonly accepted ideas or beliefs that are widespread at a particular time. Example: "The prevailing notions about climate change have shifted significantly over the past decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The Lime Street experiment had demolished prevailing notions about fire behavior.

The New Yorker

As a counterblast to prevailing notions about age, there is scarcely anything to compare.

Independent

How much of this perception is tied to prevailing notions about the different cultures that produced the dancers?

The New York Times - Arts

Aside from revolutionizing the art of popular singing — which he took from strident and bravura to the most nuanced form of storytelling — Sinatra redefined prevailing notions of masculinity.

The New York Times - Books

Despite prevailing notions that women are prone to making false accusations about rape, however, it remains one of the most underreported crimes and justice is rarely bestowed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many analysts say a fundamental overhaul would require a top-down campaign to change prevailing notions about state control over crucial sectors like finance that Mr. Xi shows no signs of embracing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Women from the global north benefit from a policy in which the prevailing notion of fairness doesn't target them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Investigators who developed the first generation of supervised prognostic and treatment response predictors started with the then prevailing notion that breast cancer is a single disease, and all subtypes of breast cancer were included in the analysis.

Genome Medicine

In the early nineteen-hundreds, the British explorer Percy Harrison Fawcett challenged this prevailing notion.

The New Yorker

The prevailing notion of "The Automatic Millionaire" is that you cannot even trust yourself.

The New York Times

The prevailing notion is that deal was the Knicks' best chance to trade Ewing.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider whether you intend to support or challenge the "prevailing notions" you are discussing. Your stance will influence the tone and direction of your writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "prevailing notions" are universally accepted. Recognize that counter-arguments and dissenting opinions often exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing notions" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to ideas or beliefs that are widely accepted or dominant at a particular time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

14%

Books

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

4%

OtherRelated

18%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prevailing notions" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that refers to widely accepted beliefs or ideas. As Ludwig AI states, the expression is correct and commonly employed across diverse writing styles. It appears most often in news and media, scientific publications, and books. When using this phrase, consider the specific context and whether you intend to support or challenge these established ideas. Alternatives include "dominant beliefs" and "common perceptions". By understanding these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "prevailing notions" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominant beliefs

Focuses on the controlling or commanding aspect of the beliefs.

common perceptions

Highlights the widespread understanding or view of something.

accepted wisdom

Emphasizes the endorsement and trust in the knowledge.

conventional wisdom

Points to the traditional and widely held view.

popular beliefs

Stresses the widespread acceptance of certain ideas among the public.

established ideas

Highlights the long-standing and recognized nature of the concepts.

current thinking

Refers to the prevailing mindset or mode of thought.

general assumptions

Emphasizes the unexamined or taken-for-granted nature of the ideas.

widely held views

Focuses on the broad acceptance and prevalence of specific perspectives.

reigning ideology

Highlights the dominant set of beliefs or principles that shape thought and action.

FAQs

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

You can use "prevailing notions" to refer to beliefs or ideas that are commonly accepted at a particular time. For example, "The experiment challenged the prevailing notions about the nature of dark matter".

What phrases are similar to "prevailing notions"?

Alternatives include "dominant beliefs", "common perceptions", or "accepted wisdom", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "prevalent notions" instead of "prevailing notions"?

Yes, "prevalent notions" is a synonym and can be used interchangeably with "prevailing notions" in most contexts.

What is the difference between "prevailing notions" and "popular opinions"?

"Prevailing notions" typically refer to more deeply rooted or established beliefs, whereas "popular opinions" might be more transient and based on current trends or news.