prevailing opinions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prevailing opinions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the most common or widely accepted views or beliefs on a particular topic. Example: "In the debate about climate change, prevailing opinions suggest that immediate action is necessary to mitigate its effects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I do agree that prevailing opinions about the Middle Ages are incorrect.

The New York Times

He soon emerged as one of the Justice Department's more radical lawyers, often at odds with prevailing opinions on civil rights law enforcement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To enter a country is not to endorse its every policy (or fewer Western Europeans, given prevailing opinions, would come to the United States).

The New York Times - Magazine

The robust crop of series currently set here fits neatly into prevailing opinions of who we are, at least in the minds of television executives in Los Angeles and New York.

The New York Times

To enter a country is not to endorse its every policy (or fewer Western Europeans, given prevailing opinions, would come to the United States)," he implies that the policies of the United States under the current administration can in some manner be compared to long-standing state-sponsored discrimination practiced by some Middle Eastern countries against Jews.

The New York Times

What is so fascinating about the subtext of the novel is that Trollope clearly wanted to break convention, both as a novelist and a man, but the prevailing opinions of his day proved too strong for him, just as they did for his heroine.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 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

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

The Guardian

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prevailing opinions", ensure you provide context as to whose opinions are prevailing and within what sphere of influence. For example, "prevailing opinions among economists" clarifies the scope.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "prevailing opinions" are universally accepted. Recognize that even widely held beliefs can be contested or nuanced within specific groups or contexts. Always consider potential counterarguments or dissenting voices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing opinions" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective, describing widely accepted or dominant viewpoints on a particular subject. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is used to refer to the most common or widely accepted views or beliefs on a particular topic.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prevailing opinions" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe widely accepted viewpoints. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and suitable for formal and informal contexts alike. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, science, and encyclopedic sources, indicating its descriptive and informative function. While generally neutral, it's essential to provide context and avoid assuming universal acceptance of these opinions. Consider alternatives like ""dominant views"" or ""widely held views"" for nuanced emphasis. Always ensure clarity regarding whose opinions are prevailing and within what domain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely held views

Highlights the broad acceptance of the views.

dominant views

Focuses on the power and influence of the opinions.

general consensus

Suggests that there is a broad agreement on the opinions.

mainstream thought

Indicates that the opinions are part of the dominant or most common way of thinking.

common beliefs

Emphasizes the shared nature of the beliefs within a group.

established views

Emphasizes the long-standing nature and acceptance of the opinions.

current thinking

Focuses on the opinions that are currently in vogue or widely accepted.

conventional wisdom

Indicates that the opinions are traditional and widely accepted, often without critical examination.

accepted wisdom

Implies that the opinions are considered to be established and reliable.

popular sentiment

Refers to the feelings or opinions that are widely held by the public.

FAQs

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

You can use "prevailing opinions" to describe widely accepted views on a topic, as in "The "prevailing opinions" suggest that climate change requires immediate action".

What are some alternatives to "prevailing opinions"?

Alternatives include "dominant views", "widely held views", or "common beliefs" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to describe something as "prevailing opinions"?

While "prevailing opinions" suggests widespread acceptance, it's important to acknowledge that not everyone may share these views. The phrase indicates a majority or significant viewpoint, but not necessarily universal agreement.

How do "prevailing opinions" differ from facts?

"Prevailing opinions" represent beliefs or viewpoints, which may or may not be supported by factual evidence. Facts are objective and verifiable, whereas opinions are subjective interpretations or judgments.