to prevail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to prevail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of winning, succeeding, or proving to be more powerful or effective in a situation or conflict. Example: "In the end, justice will prevail, and the truth will come to light."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

These voices deserve to prevail.

The Economist

It's not likely to prevail".

The New York Times

He wanted Communism to prevail.

The New Yorker

You want to prevail.

The Guardian

But it cannot be allowed to prevail.

Independent

"We expect to prevail," she said.

The New York Times

Mr Erdogan is likely to prevail.

The Economist

"Their concerns certainly seemed to prevail".

The New York Times - Arts

"I just want peace to prevail".

The New York Times

"More centrist positions are starting to prevail".

The New York Times

A new relativism seemed to prevail.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to prevail" when you want to emphasize the eventual success or dominance of a particular idea, force, or outcome, especially after a period of conflict or uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "to prevail" in informal writing; simpler alternatives like "to win" or "to succeed" can often sound more natural and less pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to prevail" typically functions as an infinitive verb, often used to express a future or potential outcome where a particular force, belief, or entity will triumph or become dominant. As Ludwig AI shows, it frequently appears in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to prevail" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed infinitive verb that signifies triumph or dominance, often against opposition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is most commonly found within news and media contexts. When writing, consider the subtle differences between "to prevail" and alternatives such as "to triumph" or "to succeed". While its formality makes it suitable for professional and academic writing, avoid overuse in casual contexts. It is recommended to use this expression to convey a sense of hope, expectation, or determination for a specific, positive outcome, particularly in situations involving conflict.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to triumph

Focuses specifically on achieving victory or success after a struggle.

to succeed

Emphasizes achieving a desired outcome or goal.

to overcome

Highlights the act of conquering obstacles or difficulties.

to win out

Suggests emerging as the victor in a competitive situation.

to dominate

Implies exerting control or influence over others.

to reign

Indicates having supreme power or authority.

to rule

Signifies governing or controlling a specific domain.

to obtain

Focuses on gaining possession or achieving a certain status.

to exist

Emphasizes the presence or widespread occurrence of something.

to persist

Highlights the continuation or endurance of something over time.

FAQs

How can I use "to prevail" in a sentence?

"To prevail" is often used to describe a situation where one force, idea, or argument ultimately triumphs. For example, "We hope that reason will "to prevail" in the end".

What are some alternatives to "to prevail"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to triumph", "to succeed", or "to overcome". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "to prevail" and "to succeed"?

While both suggest a positive outcome, "to prevail" often implies overcoming opposition or difficulty, whereas "to succeed" simply means achieving a desired goal.

Is it better to use "to prevail" or "to win out"?

Both phrases convey a sense of victory, but "to prevail" is generally considered more formal and can be used in a broader range of contexts. "To win out" often suggests a competitive situation.