prevailing opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prevailing opinion" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the dominant or widely accepted belief or viewpoint on a certain topic. Example: According to the prevailing opinion, the new law will greatly benefit the economy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Contrary to prevailing opinion, I didn't grow a beard in obeisance to fashion.

Independent

The critic thinks against prevailing opinion and opens up new avenues of thought about the work.

The New Yorker

Some of this was a reflection of prevailing opinion; much of it was cynical.

The Guardian

Germany's foreign minister, Guido Westerwelle, appeared to sum up the prevailing opinion when he said, "We will not see a military solution, but a political solution".

The New York Times

Contrary to prevailing opinion, microscale chemical reactions are shown to affect both the Darcy-scale solute velocity and diffusivity.

Chemical Engineering Science

IMPACT 2002+ is also problematic, because it rates NO as more toxic than NO2, which is strongly counter to prevailing opinion [10].

European Transport Research Review

dAffirmative with regard to this controversy is, e.g., [[70],[71]], while [[72] [75]] is opposed (the prevailing opinion in German professional literature), and [[76]] is nuanced.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Long before the twentieth century the prevailing opinion was that Euclidean geometry, standard mathematics, and logic did not rest on experience in any obvious way.

SEP

This sets off a spiraling process that increasingly establishes only one prevailing opinion.

Huffington Post

This study challenges prevailing opinion that thrombotic events are always associated with a worse prognosis in ovarian cancer.

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The achievement is even more remarkable when we remember the prevailing opinion-climate of 2008.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prevailing opinion" when you want to refer to a viewpoint that is widely accepted and currently dominant in a specific field or context. Be mindful to clarify the group or area where it prevails.

Common error

Avoid using "prevailing opinion" as if it represents the view of everyone. Always acknowledge that dissenting opinions may exist, even if they are not as widespread.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing opinion" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a widely accepted belief or viewpoint. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

56%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prevailing opinion" is a noun phrase denoting a widely accepted viewpoint. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, especially in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While it's commonly used, it's essential to remember that the "prevailing opinion" doesn't necessarily equate to absolute truth, and dissenting views may exist. Alternatives like "general consensus" or "dominant perspective" can offer nuanced shades of meaning. When using "prevailing opinion", ensure clarity about the group or field where the opinion holds sway to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely held view

Stresses the breadth of acceptance of the opinion.

accepted view

Focuses on the idea being agreed upon rather than just being widespread.

dominant perspective

Highlights the viewpoint that holds the most power or influence.

general consensus

Focuses on agreement among a group, rather than just a dominant view.

established belief

Focuses on the long-standing nature and acceptance of the belief.

popular belief

Emphasizes the widespread acceptance of an idea, potentially lacking factual basis.

mainstream idea

Highlights its inclusion within the most common or conventional train of thought.

common wisdom

Implies a belief that is generally accepted as true, often passed down through generations.

conventional wisdom

Emphasizes adherence to established norms and traditions.

reigning thought

Implies current dominance but potential for change.

FAQs

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

You can use "prevailing opinion" to describe a widely accepted viewpoint. For example, "The "prevailing opinion" is that climate change is a serious threat."

What are some alternatives to "prevailing opinion"?

Some alternatives include "general consensus", "popular belief", or "dominant perspective" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to assume the "prevailing opinion" is correct?

No, the "prevailing opinion" may not always be correct. It simply represents the most widely held view, which can be influenced by factors other than factual accuracy. Consider if it is just "popular belief".

What's the difference between "prevailing opinion" and "common knowledge"?

"Prevailing opinion" refers to a viewpoint that is currently dominant, while "common knowledge" refers to facts that are widely known and accepted as true. Sometimes, however, it can be "common wisdom", which does not necessarily translate into facts.