the prevailing wisdom

USAGE SUMMARY

"the prevailing wisdom" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a widely accepted belief or idea at a particular time or place. Example: Despite the prevailing wisdom that coffee is bad for you, recent studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption can have health benefits.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

His assessment reflects the prevailing wisdom.

The New York Times - Arts

As such, the prevailing wisdom on Wall Street is less show and no tell.

The New York Times

Then the prevailing wisdom became, yes, the Internet is real, but established companies will take it over.

Forbes

One option is to continue challenging the prevailing wisdom or preference.

Huffington Post

For many insects, the prevailing wisdom has been that females get little apart from sperm from mating.

Biological Reviews

Now the prevailing wisdom is changing.

The Economist

Our results run contrary to the prevailing wisdom.

The New York Times

At least that's the prevailing wisdom at his funeral.

The Guardian - Film

Grammar schools are popular, or so the prevailing wisdom goes.

The Guardian

The prevailing wisdom suggested a new school would be built.

The New York Times

The prevailing wisdom, of course, is the opposite.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the prevailing wisdom" to introduce a widely held belief or idea, especially when you intend to challenge or contrast it with a new perspective.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "the prevailing wisdom" without examining its validity or providing supporting evidence. Always consider whether the prevailing belief is accurate or if it needs re-evaluation.

Linguistic Context

The prevailing wisdom functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a widely accepted belief or idea, often setting the stage for a contrasting viewpoint or analysis. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The prevailing wisdom is a noun phrase used to denote a commonly accepted belief or idea. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable, frequently found in news and media contexts. While useful for introducing a widely held view, it's important to critically analyze this so-called wisdom rather than accepting it blindly. Related phrases include "the accepted view" and "the common belief". Avoid overusing the phrase without providing analysis or evidence, and always consider the validity of the prevailing belief. By using "the prevailing wisdom" thoughtfully, writers can effectively engage readers and encourage critical thinking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the accepted view

Emphasizes the widespread acceptance of the belief.

the conventional understanding

Highlights that the belief is based on convention or common practice.

the common belief

Focuses on the widespread nature of the belief among people.

the current thinking

Indicates the present state of opinion or understanding.

the established notion

Suggests the belief has been in place for a considerable time.

the dominant theory

Implies a strong, influential viewpoint or explanation.

the general consensus

Highlights that the belief is based on agreement among a group.

the standard interpretation

Suggests that the belief represents a typical or usual explanation.

the popular perception

Emphasizes how the belief is viewed by the general public.

the orthodox opinion

Implies adherence to traditional or established beliefs.

FAQs

How can I use "the prevailing wisdom" in a sentence?

You can use "the prevailing wisdom" to introduce a common belief, such as: "The prevailing wisdom suggests that hard work always leads to success, but luck also plays a significant role."

What are some alternatives to "the prevailing wisdom"?

Alternatives include "the accepted view", "the conventional understanding", or "the common belief". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

No, using "the prevailing wisdom" doesn't guarantee accuracy. It simply indicates a widely held belief, which may be based on incomplete information or outdated perspectives. Always critically evaluate the claim, even if it reflects "the prevailing wisdom".

What's the difference between "the prevailing wisdom" and "conventional wisdom"?

"The prevailing wisdom" refers to current beliefs, whereas "conventional wisdom" often implies long-standing or traditional beliefs that may or may not still be accurate. The terms are often interchangeable, but "conventional wisdom" carries a stronger sense of tradition.