prevailing thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prevailing thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the dominant or most common opinion or belief on a particular topic at a given time. Example: "The prevailing thought among scientists is that climate change is primarily driven by human activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The prevailing thought is that exercise improves sleep, but I thought it probably wasn't that simple for people with insomnia".

Huffington Post

It's all based on a philosophy that runs counter to prevailing thought in the media.

The Guardian

The prevailing thought in the visiting clubhouse was that the two clubs had renewed the rivalry of 1985.

The New York Times - Sports

He shared the prevailing thought around camp that he could be ready for the Bronx sometime this season.

The New York Times

The prevailing thought among the players is of how their performance now will affect the team's decisions for the future.

The New York Times - Sports

His portion of the prize came from his discovery that bacteria transfer genetic information, overturning the prevailing thought that bacteria weren't able to swap DNA.

Stanford University

Additionally, the prevailing thought was that the brightest flashes were driven by the explosion's internal shock waves, but the evidence indicates that these photons were created externally.

Stanford University

It was Rondo's third suspension in less than 10 months, and the prevailing thought was that he would get at least three games, perhaps five.

The New York Times - Sports

The prevailing thought on the phenomenon of musth is that this hormonal state breaks the monopoly that a dominant bull might hold over access to matings.

The New York Times

Mr. Renfrew of Art Basel said that this "was the prevailing thought" when he was scouting in Hong Kong in 2007 but that it "was an unfair assessment".

The New York Times - Arts

"The prevailing thought among Jets Nation is that the Jets will lose to the Bengals because that's what the Jets do," Esiason said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prevailing thought" to introduce a widely accepted idea or viewpoint before presenting an alternative or challenging perspective. This can add context and emphasize the significance of your argument.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "prevailing thought" as a placeholder for specific arguments. Provide concrete details about the belief or opinion you're referencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing thought" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It's used to identify a widely accepted or dominant idea, belief, or opinion within a particular context. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0.01%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prevailing thought" is a commonly used noun phrase that denotes a widely accepted belief or opinion, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to use it accurately, ensuring that the referred thought is indeed widely held. Ludwig AI analysis suggests that alternatives like "dominant ideology" or "common wisdom" can offer nuanced perspectives. Using "prevailing thought" effectively involves introducing a context or argument, providing a stage for further discussion, or challenging established viewpoints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general consensus

Highlights a collective agreement achieved through discussion and compromise.

mainstream idea

Indicates an idea that is widely accepted and integrated into the dominant culture.

accepted view

Emphasizes that a specific perspective has gained widespread agreement.

widespread notion

Focuses on the broad dissemination and acceptance of a specific concept.

popular belief

Highlights the widespread acceptance of a particular idea among the general public.

conventional thinking

Implies adherence to traditional or standard modes of thought.

common wisdom

Refers to widely held beliefs that are often unexamined or traditional.

established opinion

Suggests a firm and long-standing agreement on a specific matter.

dominant ideology

Focuses more on the set of beliefs that underpin a system or culture.

ruling paradigm

Refers to a dominant framework or model in a particular field or discipline.

FAQs

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

You can use "prevailing thought" to introduce a commonly held belief or opinion, as in "The "prevailing thought" is that exercise improves sleep".

What are some alternatives to "prevailing thought"?

Alternatives include "dominant ideology", "common wisdom", or "accepted view", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to refer to something as the "prevailing thought"?

Not necessarily. While "prevailing thought" suggests a widespread belief, it's important to ensure the belief is indeed common and not simply a vocal minority's opinion. Always provide context or evidence when using this phrase.

What's the difference between "prevailing thought" and "popular opinion"?

"Prevailing thought" often refers to a more established or deeply rooted belief within a specific group or society, whereas "popular opinion" can be more transient and influenced by current events or trends.