prevailing tendencies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prevailing tendencies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the dominant or most common trends or inclinations in a particular context or situation. Example: "The prevailing tendencies in modern art reflect a shift towards minimalism and abstraction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It may well be; but on any given occasion, it could also be a knee jerk -- born of prevailing tendencies, distractions, and want of time.

Huffington Post

"The programme has also been able to reverse prevailing tendencies to suspend support for education and other social services in situations of chronic crises, arrested development and deteriorating contexts.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Our American partners have a prevailing tendency to threaten and increase pressure, adopt ever more sanctions against Syria and against Iran," Mr. Lavrov said.

The New York Times

Theirs is a celebration of moderate immoderation that clashes with the prevailing tendency to go always to the furthest edge of excess, especially when the subject is weight.

The New York Times - Arts

She accurately observes the prevailing tendency, exemplified by this book, toward the rationalization and valorization of anorexia as valuable (and even necessary) for the purposes of intellectual and creative achievement.

The New York Times

I am sometimes engaged by feminist or post-colonial interpretations of literature, but what I object to is the prevailing tendency to substitute this mindset for one which engages carefully with literary language itself.

The Guardian - Books

In his later critical writings Pater continued to focus on the innate qualities of works of art, in contrast to the prevailing tendency to evaluate them on the basis of their moral and educational value.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Angularity as a prevailing tendency and an effect of lateral crowding, especially in the first lines of a Merovingian manuscript, led to the use of the term picket- fence style by some 20th-century scholars of calligraphy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This science-based approach also counters the prevailing tendency to separately consider (balkanize) 'contaminant' and 'Fe0/H2O interface'.

Applied Water Science

The prevailing tendency seems to be to use "richer" medium, in the progression from text to graphics to audio to video, for designing and developing e-learning programs.

Computers & Education

A prevailing tendency in modern scholarship to identify atomist tendencies with 'mechanistic' thinking is not characteristic of ancient Greek atomism: the identification was made in the work of Henry More and Robert Boyle in the 17th century.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prevailing tendencies", ensure the context is clear and that you provide specific examples to illustrate the trends you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "prevailing tendencies" without supporting evidence or specific examples, as this can lead to vague and unsubstantiated claims. Instead, provide concrete data or observations to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing tendencies" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies and describes dominant patterns or inclinations within a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various types of sentences.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prevailing tendencies" is a grammatically correct and functional noun phrase used to describe dominant trends or inclinations. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is valid in English. Although not overly common, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, academic discussions, and formal reports. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide clear context and specific examples to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "dominant trends" or "current inclinations" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Overall, "prevailing tendencies" serves as a concise way to communicate established patterns or behaviors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominant trends

Replaces "prevailing" with "dominant", emphasizing the prominence of the trends.

current inclinations

Substitutes both words to highlight present-day leanings.

common inclinations

Replaces "prevailing" with "common" highlighting the widespread nature of inclinations.

popular trends

Changes to "popular" to denote widespread acceptance or adoption.

established patterns

Shifts from "tendencies" to "patterns" to suggest regularity and confirmation.

widespread habits

Replaces both words to indicate common customs or behaviors.

general propensities

Uses more formal synonyms for both "prevailing" and "tendencies".

typical inclinations

Changes prevailing to typical, indicating normal or expected inclinations.

routine behaviors

Shifts the focus to actions that are regularly performed.

accepted norms

Replaces "tendencies" to accepted norms, emphasizing adherence to expected standards.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "prevailing tendencies" in a sentence?

To use "prevailing tendencies" effectively, clearly identify the context and provide specific examples. For instance, "The prevailing tendencies in the stock market indicate a shift towards tech stocks" offers a clear context and example.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "prevailing tendencies"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "dominant trends", "current inclinations", or "common inclinations".

Is it appropriate to use "prevailing tendencies" in formal writing?

Yes, "prevailing tendencies" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing trends or patterns in a professional or academic setting. However, ensure your usage is supported by evidence and analysis.

What is the difference between "prevailing tendencies" and "emerging trends"?

"Prevailing tendencies" refer to established and currently dominant trends, while "emerging trends" describe new or recently developing patterns. The former has a longer track record, whereas the latter is still in its early stages.