prevails on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prevails on" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression is "prevails upon," which is used to indicate persuading or convincing someone to do something. Example: "She prevails upon her friends to join her in the charity event every year."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Whichever candidate prevails on Nov. 6, one legacy of the campaign will likely be that voters found it a turn-off.

Huffington Post

If prohibition prevails on November 3, Buddie will be one of the main reasons it does.

Huffington Post

Whether Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund prevails on English soil this Saturday evening, no one can deny that the Bundesliga has outplayed the rest of Europe this season.

The New York Times

A harsh dualism prevails on the Western side.

The New York Times - Arts

Uncertainty, it seems, often prevails on these windswept heights.

The New York Times

Justice is done as Azarenka prevails on the next point.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet, they conclude, "an Esperanto of civility prevails on its sidewalks".

The New York Times

Everyone got along".Outside his vine-covered house, silence prevails on the Sharada estate.

The Economist

Reality is more complicated, mainly because no single open standard prevails on the wider Internet.

The Economist

A strange national and religious materialism prevails on the right today, and not only in Israel.

The New Yorker

She prevails on him to see a real professional: her pastor.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives like "is widespread in" or "dominates in" when describing prevalence rather than direct influence.

Common error

Avoid using "prevails on" because the correct preposition is "prevails upon". Using "on" instead of "upon" can lead to grammatical inaccuracy and undermine your writing's credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevails on" functions as a prepositional phrase, often intended to describe a condition of dominance or influence. However, according to Ludwig AI, the expression is not correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "prevails on" is commonly found across various sources, including news and scientific publications, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard written English. According to Ludwig AI, the accurate alternative is "prevails upon" when the intention is to convey persuasion or influence. For expressing dominance or widespread presence, alternatives like "is widespread in" or "dominates in" are more appropriate. Therefore, writers should exercise caution and opt for grammatically sound alternatives to ensure clarity and credibility in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevails upon

Corrects the grammatical structure by using the correct preposition 'upon'.

is widespread in

Indicates something is common or extensively present, focusing on distribution rather than success.

exerts influence on

Highlights the act of affecting or persuading someone or something.

has an effect on

Focuses on the impact or consequence rather than the act of prevailing.

dominates in

Emphasizes being superior or having control in a specific area.

is victorious in

Highlights the achievement of winning or succeeding in a particular context.

holds sway over

Suggests having power or control over something, often in a figurative sense.

carries weight with

Implies that someone's opinion or influence is significant and respected.

gets its way with

Indicates that someone or something is successful in achieving their desires or goals.

wins over

Focuses on persuading or convincing someone to support a particular cause or idea.

FAQs

What does "prevails upon" mean, and how does it differ from "prevails on"?

"Prevails upon" means to persuade or convince someone to do something. "Prevails on" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English; the correct usage is with "upon".

Is "prevails on" ever correct, or should I always use "prevails upon"?

In contemporary standard English, "prevails on" is generally considered incorrect. The correct and widely accepted form is "prevails upon" when you mean to persuade or influence.

What are some alternatives to "prevails upon" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "persuades", "influences", "convinces", or "urges". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I remember to use "prevails upon" instead of "prevails on"?

Think of "prevails upon" as similar to "acting upon" someone. The "upon" emphasizes the direct influence or persuasion exerted on someone or something.