prevailing thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

"prevailing thoughts" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to the most common or accepted opinion at a particular point in time. For example, "In the early 20th century, the prevailing thoughts on education were that it should serve the needs of industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

What are your prevailing thoughts on what the borough has become?

The New York Times

It wouldn't matter so much if these were the prevailing thoughts, except for when I apply to jobs in alternative careers to scientific research, that is, move from the benchtop to the desktop.

Science Magazine

One of the prevailing thoughts that often overwhelmed me with sadness was all the events occurring in my life that she would never know about.

Huffington Post

The prevailing thoughts on venom evolution agree that toxin genes were initially recruited from genes of proteins with normal physiological functions, followed by repeated gene duplication that creates redundancy, allowing a gene copy to be selectively expressed in the venom gland.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The critic thinks against prevailing opinion and opens up new avenues of thought about the work.

The New Yorker

Is that the prevailing view?

The New York Times

"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

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

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prevailing thoughts" to introduce an idea that is generally accepted but may be subject to change or debate.

Common error

Avoid using "prevailing thoughts" when referring to niche or specialized ideas. Ensure the thought is genuinely widespread.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing thoughts" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the most common or accepted ideas or opinions on a particular topic. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prevailing thoughts" is a noun phrase used to describe the most common or accepted opinions on a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While its frequency is rare, it finds application across news, media and scientific domains. Related phrases such as "dominant opinions" or "widespread beliefs" can provide alternative phrasing. It's vital to ensure the "prevailing thoughts" truly represent widespread views and are not overstated, as that's a common mistake. This phrase is versatile and suitable for formal to neutral contexts, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary when discussing commonly held perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominant opinions

Focuses on the power or influence held by these thoughts.

widespread beliefs

Emphasizes the breadth and distribution of the beliefs.

common notions

Highlights the shared or collective nature of the ideas.

accepted wisdom

Suggests a traditional or authoritative perspective.

popular viewpoints

Emphasizes the favor and acceptance of these views.

current thinking

Highlights the temporal aspect, emphasizing the present time.

general consensus

Suggests a broad agreement among people.

mainstream ideas

Points to thoughts that are widely accepted in society.

conventional wisdom

Implies traditional and widely held beliefs, often unquestioned.

established views

Highlights that these thoughts are well-settled and recognized.

FAQs

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

You can use "prevailing thoughts" to describe commonly held beliefs or opinions in a particular context. For instance, "The "prevailing thoughts" on climate change have shifted significantly in recent years."

What are some alternatives to "prevailing thoughts"?

Alternatives include "dominant opinions", "widespread beliefs", or "accepted wisdom", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "prevailing thoughts" is suitable for formal writing as it clearly and professionally conveys the idea of widely held beliefs or opinions.

What's the difference between "prevailing thoughts" and "popular opinions"?

"Prevailing thoughts" often implies a more established or long-standing acceptance, while "popular opinions" can refer to current but possibly fleeting viewpoints. "Prevailing thoughts" might also carry more weight or influence than simple popularity.