prevailing tendency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'prevailing tendency' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is currently typical or characteristic of something. For example: "It is a prevailing tendency in most schools to use online platforms for instruction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 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

Despite all these gains, the prevailing intellectual tendency these days is to apologize for free trade.

The New York Times

The real problem, it said, was the "unconscious slant" introduced by the "prevailing liberal tendencies of the national media".

The New York Times

The 1920s were a time of revolution in Brazilian literature, but Meireles's work of the period showed little affinity with the prevailing nationalistic tendencies or the radical technical innovations in free verse and colloquial language.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a widespread behavior or thought, use "prevailing tendency" to add a layer of formality and objectivity. This can be especially useful in academic or professional writing where neutrality is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "prevailing tendency" to justify your own subjective opinions or biases. Ensure the tendency you're describing is supported by evidence and not just your personal observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing tendency" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing its ability to describe a widespread inclination or trend. Examples from Ludwig illustrate how it identifies a current behavior or thought.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prevailing tendency" is a useful phrase for describing a widespread trend or inclination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in academic, scientific, and news contexts. While it's important to ensure objectivity and avoid personal biases when using it, understanding its function and register can enhance the clarity and formality of your writing. Alternatives like "dominant trend" or "common inclination" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominant trend

Replaces "prevailing" with "dominant" and "tendency" with "trend", emphasizing the most influential direction or pattern.

common inclination

Substitutes "prevailing" with "common" and "tendency" with "inclination", highlighting a widespread preference or leaning.

general trend

Uses "general" instead of "prevailing", and "trend" instead of "tendency" indicating a widespread pattern or direction.

widespread inclination

Replaces "prevailing" with "widespread", emphasizing the broad reach of the inclination.

current trend

Replaces "prevailing" with "current", focusing on the trend that is happening now.

typical disposition

Substitutes both words completely; "typical" for "prevailing" and "disposition" for "tendency", shifting the context slightly towards inherent nature.

usual propensity

Replaces "prevailing" with "usual" and "tendency" with "propensity", suggesting a normal inclination.

established pattern

Changes both words; "established" instead of "prevailing" and "pattern" instead of "tendency", conveying a sense of something that has become fixed or conventional.

accepted norm

Substitutes to focus on something considered standard or customary.

conventional practice

Focuses on practices that are widely accepted and followed.

FAQs

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

Use "prevailing tendency" to describe a widespread inclination or trend observed within a specific context. For example, "There is a prevailing tendency in modern scholarship to identify atomist tendencies with 'mechanistic' thinking".

What are some alternatives to "prevailing tendency"?

Alternatives include "dominant trend", "common inclination", or "general trend", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "prevailing tendency" and "dominant tendency"?

"Prevailing tendency" suggests a widespread trend, while "dominant tendency" emphasizes that the trend is the most influential or powerful one.

When is it appropriate to use "prevailing tendency" in writing?

Use "prevailing tendency" in academic, professional, or news writing to objectively describe a widespread trend or inclination, especially when you want to maintain a formal and neutral tone.