the prevailing worry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the prevailing worry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the most common or dominant concern in a particular context or situation. Example: "In the current economic climate, the prevailing worry among investors is the potential for a recession."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The prevailing worry, famously raised by Adolf Berle and Gardiner Means in the 1930's, had been that managers would run companies to preserve their jobs rather than to maximize profits.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

While the expansionary effects of the Fed's Quantitative Easing (QE) program have yet to run their course and in time may well generate excess demand and thus induce inflation in the U.S. the prevailing worry throughout much of the rest of the world at this juncture is deflation.

Forbes

A prevailing worry about increased fetal growth and the risk of more difficult labour with maternal and neonatal complications was experienced.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

With BVO, the prevailing dose of worry seems to far outweigh that of the ingredient.

Huffington Post

David M. Dobson, an Owen County delegate to the state's constitutional convention, summed up the prevailing attitude, which worried that Indiana would become the "receptacle for... all the broke down and worthless slaves of the South".

The New York Times

Worse still, I suggest, Cattrall internalised the prevailing ageism when she worried whether, at the age of 41, she still had what it took to play maneater and staunch friend in her most famous role, Samantha Jones in Sex and the City.

The Guardian

Furthermore, the prevailing discourses convey contradicting messages that can cause worry and confusion for the new parents.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

My biggest worry is that we in Afghanistan might fail to comprehend and progress in step with the prevailing international values.

Huffington Post

Perhaps the prevailing climate mattered.

The Economist

Is that the prevailing view?

The New York Times

But they play by the prevailing rules.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the prevailing worry" to introduce a concern that is widely shared or dominant in a particular context. It adds a sense of importance and commonality to the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "the prevailing worry" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or dramatic in such settings. Opt for simpler expressions like "the main concern" or "what everyone's worried about".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the prevailing worry" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific concern that is widespread or dominant. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the prevailing worry" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote a widespread or dominant concern. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While it is relatively rare, it appears most frequently in news and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. Alternative phrases like "the dominant concern" or "the main apprehension" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, consider its level of formality and appropriateness for the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the prevailing anxiety

Synonymous, but substitutes "worry" for "anxiety".

the dominant concern

Focuses on the idea of a primary issue rather than the emotional aspect of worry.

the main apprehension

Highlights the feeling of anxiety or fear more directly.

the chief concern

Emphasizes the importance of the concern, similar to 'dominant'.

the overriding anxiety

Stresses the intense and all-encompassing nature of the anxiety.

the widespread concern

Highlights the breadth of the concern among people.

the common fear

Simplifies the phrase to emphasize a shared feeling of fear.

the principal anxiety

Uses a more formal tone to indicate the main anxiety.

the main source of worry

Highlights that the worry is the source or origin of concern.

the general unease

Refers to a more vague but pervasive feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

FAQs

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

You can use "the prevailing worry" to describe a widespread concern in a specific situation. For example: "The prevailing worry among scientists is the impact of climate change".

What is a good alternative to "the prevailing worry"?

Alternatives include "the dominant concern", "the main apprehension", or "the widespread concern", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "the prevailing worry" a formal expression?

Yes, "the prevailing worry" is generally considered a formal expression suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts. Simpler phrases may be more appropriate for informal settings.

What is the difference between "the prevailing worry" and "the main concern"?

"The prevailing worry" emphasizes the emotional aspect of anxiety or fear, while "the main concern" focuses more on the importance or dominance of the issue itself. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the emotional or practical aspect.