prevailing rhetoric

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prevailing rhetoric" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the dominant or most commonly expressed ideas or beliefs in a particular context or discourse. Example: "The prevailing rhetoric surrounding climate change has shifted significantly in recent years, emphasizing the urgency of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Great courage will be needed to cut through the prevailing rhetoric, but without it, irrational mythology will prevail over sober rationalism.

The New York Times

Before more absurd hyperbole took over – Tony Blair comparing Jeremy Corbyn this weekend to Donald Trump and Marine Le Pen – the prevailing rhetoric was that Labour was in danger of returning to its comfort zone.

The Guardian - Opinion

Somehow, somewhere, between my grandfather's generation here in Silicon Valley and mine, our prevailing rhetoric changed from one of "service" to one of "changing the world".

TechCrunch

We know it goes against the prevailing rhetoric to argue that more and better government policies are still needed to repair the economy.

The New York Times

This time, though, the shooter entered the hyperbolic culture of American politics, where his action appears to fit almost seamlessly with the prevailing rhetoric of the day.

Independent

Yet the prevailing rhetoric of the past decade has been barely concealed disdain for the local offer, especially if it is a socially mixed community comprehensive school.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Worse, prevailing Republican rhetoric, adopted in part by Democrats, portends more budget cuts, which would leave the agencies unable to enforce current rules, let alone new ones.

The New York Times

These ideas will encounter a hostile reception from partisans in the debate of the past quarter-century, in which the prevailing political rhetoric characterizes taxes as sheer waste, an unfair drag on the most productive people and an evil.

The New York Times - Books

While that agenda may sound neutral to the uninitiated, it speaks to growing resentment toward the prevailing reform rhetoric pushed by the White House and many politicians: corporate-oriented "standards" and "management," leading to a test-heavy curriculum focused on math and reading at the expense of all else.

Huffington Post

Yet there is something more to the prevailing mood than rhetoric.

The New York Times - Sports

However, she has never before expressed such antipathy towards the prevailing policies and rhetoric of the government which she had to endure when she was in office.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prevailing rhetoric" to critically analyze the dominant discourse surrounding a specific issue, especially when highlighting potential biases or limitations.

Common error

Avoid using "prevailing rhetoric" merely as a descriptive term. Instead, employ it to examine the power dynamics and potential consequences embedded within dominant narratives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing rhetoric" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the dominant or most widespread form of persuasive communication or discourse on a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prevailing rhetoric" is a commonly used phrase to describe the dominant discourse surrounding a particular topic. Ludwig AI indicates that it functions as a noun phrase, often employed in analytical contexts to critically examine underlying assumptions and biases within dominant narratives. While generally neutral, its usage tends towards formality, especially in news and media sources. To avoid overuse, remember to critically analyze the topic or issue, rather than merely using the term descriptively. Alternatives include "dominant discourse" or "mainstream narrative".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominant discourse

Emphasizes the controlling or most influential form of communication.

mainstream narrative

Highlights the most widely accepted or common storyline or account.

current ideology

Focuses on the prevailing set of beliefs or principles.

accepted wisdom

Refers to beliefs or ideas that are generally considered true or valid.

popular belief

Highlights widely held views within a population.

common sentiment

Focuses on the widespread feelings or attitudes.

general consensus

Indicates a widespread agreement on a particular issue.

established viewpoint

Refers to a perspective that has been recognized and accepted over time.

conventional wisdom

Similar to accepted wisdom, but may imply a critical perspective.

reigning opinion

Highlights the opinion that is currently dominant or influential.

FAQs

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

You can use "prevailing rhetoric" to describe the dominant discourse surrounding a topic, such as, "The "prevailing rhetoric" often overlooks marginalized voices."

What are some alternatives to "prevailing rhetoric"?

Alternatives include "dominant discourse", "mainstream narrative", or "accepted wisdom", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "prevailing rhetoric" in academic writing?

Use "prevailing rhetoric" when you aim to critically analyze the dominant narrative or discourse within a particular field or subject matter.

What is the difference between "prevailing rhetoric" and "public opinion"?

"Prevailing rhetoric" refers to the dominant discourse or narrative, while "public opinion" refers to the aggregate of individual attitudes and beliefs within a population. While they can be related, the "prevailing rhetoric" can influence, but does not necessarily reflect, "public opinion".