prevailing order

USAGE SUMMARY

"prevailing order" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to the existing state of affairs or the way that things currently are. For example, "The prevailing order in the city was one of chaos and confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Sometimes the prevailing order is unseen, unknown".

The New York Times

There needs to be a crisis of the prevailing order.

The Guardian - Business

In one guise or another, resigned submission remained the prevailing order of the day.

The Guardian - Opinion

It cannot be that one is entitled to criticise the prevailing order only if one refuses to participate in it.

The Economist

For Sirk, the grand finale was a funeral for the prevailing order, a trumpet blast against social façades and walls of silence.

The New Yorker

There's a charge in the air, a suspension of disbelief, a sense that the prevailing order of things has been put on hold.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Those with a deep stake in the prevailing economic order cannot have it otherwise.

The Guardian

Both white and older black Americans viewed it as a threat to the prevailing social order.

The New York Times

She is prepared to commit a crime against the prevailing social order to fulfill a moral obligation.

The Guardian

The young men also mistrusted the propensity of their radical white, Indian, and mixed-race comrades to monopolize discussions and thus replicate the prevailing social order.

The New Yorker

While 25 years ago it called for an Islamic state along the lines of Iran, it is now firmly part of the prevailing sectarian order.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about societal change or revolution, "prevailing order" is useful for highlighting the system being challenged.

Common error

Avoid using "prevailing order" when you specifically mean the current legal statutes. Use "prevailing law" instead for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing order" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the subject complement. It refers to the existing state of affairs or the dominant system at a particular time, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prevailing order" is a noun phrase used to refer to the current state of affairs or dominant system. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound. It's most frequently used in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources, suggesting a tendency towards formal and analytical contexts. When writing, be mindful of using "prevailing order" when "prevailing law" is more appropriate. Alternatives include "status quo", "existing system", and "dominant paradigm", each carrying slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

status quo

Refers to the existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political issues.

existing system

Focuses on the systemic aspect, implying a structured arrangement currently in place.

current state of affairs

Highlights the present condition or situation without necessarily implying a structured system.

dominant paradigm

More academic and theoretical, referring to a widely accepted framework of thought.

established norm

Emphasizes the aspect of accepted standards and behaviors.

reigning system

Similar to existing system but with a stronger connotation of power and control.

incumbent structure

Highlights the aspect of holding a position or office, implying a power dynamic.

accepted practice

Highlights the aspect of procedures or methods that are commonly used and approved.

conventional wisdom

Refers to beliefs or ideas that are widely accepted but not necessarily true.

customary procedure

Focuses on established ways of doing things, emphasizing tradition and habit.

FAQs

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

You can use "prevailing order" to describe the existing state of affairs or the dominant system. For example, "The reforms aimed to challenge the "prevailing order" in the education system".

What is another way to say "prevailing order"?

Alternatives to "prevailing order" include "status quo", "existing system", or "dominant paradigm", depending on the context.

Is "prevailing order" formal or informal?

"Prevailing order" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase suitable for academic, journalistic, and professional writing.

What's the difference between "prevailing order" and "ruling order"?

"Prevailing order" refers to the current state of affairs, while "ruling order" specifically implies a governing authority or power structure. The "ruling order" is who or what enforces the "prevailing order".