the dominant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the dominant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is the most influential or powerful in a particular context, such as in discussions about culture, behavior, or trends. Example: "In the current market, the dominant player is clearly leading the competition with innovative strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mexico is the dominant team.

The New York Times - Sports

Flatness is the dominant effect.

The New York Times

The dominant reaction was expected.

The New York Times

The dominant language is Xhosa.

The New Yorker

Immigration is the dominant issue.

The Economist

That is the dominant thought.

The New York Times - Sports

Now the dominant Brotherhood had hijacked proceedings.

The New York Times

The dominant theory at the Police Dept.

The New Yorker

The dominant dynamics are local and regional".

The New Yorker

At least, that was the dominant narrative.

The New Yorker

But Ms. Makarova was the dominant presence.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the dominant" when you want to emphasize the prevailing influence or power of something in a specific context. For example, "In this ecosystem, the dominant species controls the food chain."

Common error

Avoid using "the dominant" as a generic descriptor without clearly specifying what it dominates or influences. Be precise to avoid vagueness. For example, instead of saying "Technology is the dominant force", specify "Technology is the dominant force shaping modern communication".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the dominant" functions as a noun phrase, where 'the' is a definite article specifying a particular noun, and 'dominant' acts as an adjective modifying an implied noun (e.g., factor, force, characteristic). As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is often used to highlight the prevailing or most influential aspect of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the dominant" is a versatile phrase used to denote the most influential or prevalent element within a specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and is frequently encountered in diverse fields, ranging from news and media to encyclopedias and scientific literature. The phrase exhibits a neutral to formal register and is most commonly used to highlight the key element that shapes a particular situation. Related alternatives include "the paramount", "the leading", and "the most influential". When using "the dominant", it's important to provide sufficient context to clarify what exactly is being dominated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the paramount

Emphasizes the supreme or most important aspect, shifting the focus slightly from prevalence to importance.

the major

Highlights the greater quantity or significance, offering a more quantitative perspective.

the primary

Focuses on what comes first or is of most importance, suggesting a foundational role.

the principal

Highlights the chief or main aspect, emphasizing leadership or control more directly.

the prevailing

Indicates what is currently accepted or most common, emphasizing a time-sensitive aspect.

the leading

Suggests guidance and direction, focusing on influence and forward movement.

the most influential

Directly states the power to affect or control, making the influence explicit.

the most powerful

Highlights strength and authority, emphasizing a capacity to exert force.

the predominant

Focuses on being superior in force, influence, or number, highlighting statistical significance.

the overriding

Stresses importance over other considerations, suggesting ultimate authority or priority.

FAQs

How can I use "the dominant" in a sentence?

You can use "the dominant" to describe something that has the most power, influence, or control in a given situation. For example: "In many ecosystems, one species is often the "dominant species"."

What are some alternatives to "the dominant"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the leading", "the prevailing", "the primary", or "the most influential".

Is "the dominant" formal or informal?

"The dominant" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter and audience. It is frequently found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing.

What is the difference between "the dominant" and "the predominant"?

While similar, "the dominant" suggests control and influence, whereas "the predominant" implies numerical superiority or greater frequency. "The dominant strategy" suggests control, while "The predominant color" suggests frequency.