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Can you say a list of items are the predominant ones?

  • 21-03-2012 03:46AM
    #1
    Turtwig
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,578 ✭✭✭✭


    Not sure if this is the correct place to post this but just a curious question that came to my mind while I was composing something. :)

    Is it correct to use the term 'predominant' when you are referring to more than one subject. For example.

    Is this sentence ok:"The author proceeds to describe the three predominant themes of Shakespeare's work."

    My conflict is with the word "predominant" as far as I can recall I've only ever encountered it used as a single item or subject and now I'm curious to see if you're allowed to expand it to more.

    Thanks in advance,:)


Comments

  • #2
    pickarooney
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 36,204 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    My instinct would be to say that it's fine to use it but what would be the difference between using 'predominant' and 'dominant' in this instance?


  • #3
    Turtwig
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,578 ✭✭✭✭Turtwig


    pickarooney wrote: »
    My instinct would be to say that it's fine to use it but what would be the difference between using 'predominant' and 'dominant' in this instance?

    Well I always consider dominate in the sense of meaning control over someone or something. Whereas predominant deals with importance of something. That was always how I read it anyways but I could be wrong. :)


  • #4
    Earthhorse
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,722 ✭✭✭✭Earthhorse


    I think your meaning will be clear to the reader but that it is probably incorrect usage. Much as I hate to refer to dictionary definitions, predominant means "Present as the strongest or main element" or "Having or exerting control or power".

    The word major would be more appropriate, I think.


  • #5
    Turtwig
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,578 ✭✭✭✭Turtwig


    Earthhorse wrote: »
    I think your meaning will be clear to the reader but that it is probably incorrect usage. Much as I hate to refer to dictionary definitions, predominant means "Present as the strongest or main element" or "Having or exerting control or power".

    The word major would be more appropriate, I think.

    Yeah that's what I think too.:)


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