Predominate in a Sentence: Meaning and Examples

Predominate is an intransitive verb meaning to be the largest in number or the most important. In a sentence, a group, feature, or influence predominates when it is more numerous or has greater weight; use predominant instead when an adjective is needed.

Key facts at a glance

• Predominate is a verb meaning to be greatest in number or importance.
• The verb is usually intransitive: a subject predominates or predominates over something.
• Predominant is the related adjective; predominantly is the adverb.
• Use predominate for a prevailing pattern, factor, group, or influence.
• The correct form depends on whether the sentence needs a verb or adjective.

What does predominate mean?

Predominate means to be the largest in number or the most important among alternatives. Cambridge Dictionary marks it as an intransitive verb, so a person or thing can predominate without taking a direct object: “Blue flowers predominate in the garden.”

The word often describes a pattern across a setting, group, or period. “Practical concerns predominate during the first planning meeting” means those concerns have the greatest influence; it does not necessarily mean they are the only concerns.

How do you use predominate in a sentence?

Make the subject of predominate the group, factor, style, or feature that is most numerous or influential. “In this collection, landscape paintings predominate” uses the verb without an object. “Cost tends to predominate over convenience” uses over to name the comparison.

Use a concrete reference point when the sentence could be vague. “Oak trees predominate along the northern trail” says where they are most common; “Oak trees predominate” may need more context if the reader does not know the area being described.

Predominate, predominant, and predominantly

Predominate is the verb, predominant is the adjective, and predominantly is the adverb. Compare “Blue predominate” only if blue items are the subject; “Blue is the predominant color”; and “The mural is predominantly blue.”

Check for a linking verb such as is or seems: it often needs the adjective predominant, not the base verb predominate. If the sentence describes what a subject does or which pattern is most common, the verb or adverb may fit instead.

Predominate or dominate?

Predominate emphasizes being greatest in number, importance, or influence. Dominate can mean to control, command attention, or be much more powerful. In many sentences the words overlap, but dominate can sound more forceful and may take a direct object: “One team dominated the match.”

Choose predominate for a neutral description of a prevailing pattern: “Neutral colors predominate in the room.” Choose dominate when the sentence focuses on control or strong effect: “A bright red wall dominates the room.”

Frequently asked questions

Is predominate a verb or adjective?

Predominate is a verb: it means to be greatest in number or importance. Use predominant as the adjective (“the predominant style”) and predominantly as the adverb (“the area is predominantly residential”). The verb describes what its subject does, while predominant modifies a noun and predominantly modifies a verb or adjective.

What is the difference between predominate and predominant?

Predominate names an action or state: “Dark colors predominate.” Predominant describes a noun: “Dark blue is the predominant color.” Choose the form that matches the sentence’s grammar rather than swapping the endings. A clause may need the verb, while a noun phrase needs the adjective.

Can you say predominate over something?

Yes. Predominate over can introduce what a factor exceeds in number or influence: “Practical concerns predominate over minor design details.” The preposition is optional when the subject already makes the comparison clear. Use this pattern when naming what has greater force, not a direct object.

How do you use predominate in a simple sentence?

Use a clear subject and setting: “Pine trees predominate in the northern forest.” The verb tells readers that pine trees are the most numerous there. You can also write “Curiosity predominated during the discussion” to describe the strongest influence. It often answers what is most common within the named place or group.

Do you ever come across a sentence where one particular word seems to stand out above all others, dictating the meaning and tone of the entire sentence? This key word that carries the most weight and influence in a sentence is what we refer to as the “predominate” word.

The predominate word in a sentence is the one that holds the most significance, often shaping the overall message and impact of the sentence. By understanding and identifying the predominate word in a sentence, we can gain deeper insight into the author’s intent and the core idea being conveyed.

7 Examples Of Predominate Used In a Sentence For Kids

• Predominate means to be the most important.
• In every group, there is one color that will predominate.
• During the rainy season, the sound of thunder will predominate.
• Some animals like lions predominate in the jungle.
• Green can predominate in a garden full of flowers.
• At night, darkness will predominate.
• In a forest, trees will predominate.

14 Sentences with Predominate Examples

1. The influence of social media can *predominate over students’ study habits.*
2. During exam season, stress tends to *predominate among college students.*
3. In group projects, teamwork should *predominate for a successful outcome.*
4. The need for internships to gain experience can *predominate in the minds of college seniors.*
5. The pressure to excel in academics can *predominate in competitive college environments.*
6. Networking opportunities can *predominate at college career fairs.*
7. During cultural events, diversity can *predominate on college campuses.*
8. The importance of time management skills can *predominate in college life.*
9. The presence of extracurricular activities can *predominate in shaping students’ college experiences.*
10. The pursuit of higher education can *predominate in the decision-making process of college students.*
11. Access to resources and facilities can *predominate in determining the quality of education at different colleges.*
12. Peer pressure can *predominate in influencing students’ choices of activities in college.*
13. The drive for personal development and growth can *predominate in college students’ minds.*
14. The desire to make a positive impact on society can *predominate in college students’ involvement in volunteer work.*

How To Use Predominate in Sentences?

To Predominate in a sentence, start by identifying the main subject or idea that you want to emphasize. For example, if you want to highlight the importance of teamwork, you can say, “Collaboration predominates in our work culture, leading to successful projects.”

Next, determine the context in which you want to use the word Predominate. It can be positive, negative, or neutral, depending on the message you want to convey. For instance, you can use it positively like, “Optimism predominates among the team members, inspiring creativity and innovation.”

Remember to place Predominate in the correct position within the sentence. It typically comes after the subject or before the verb to appropriately highlight the dominant aspect of the sentence. For example, “In our family, love and support predominate.”

Additionally, consider adding supporting details or examples to further illustrate the significance of the word Predominate in your sentence. This will provide clarity and depth to your message, making it more impactful and memorable.

Lastly, practice using Predominate in various sentences to become more comfortable with incorporating it into your everyday communication. Experiment with different scenarios and contexts to strengthen your understanding of how to effectively use this word to convey your intended meaning.

Conclusion

In writing, sentences with “predominate” have a dominant presence, often standing out or being prominent within the text. By using this keyword, authors emphasize the importance or prevalence of certain ideas or themes. Through sentences that predominate, writers can effectively convey their main points to readers, ensuring clarity and focus within their work.

These sentences not only hold significant weight but also help structure the overall narrative or argument. By highlighting key concepts, sentences with “predominate” play a vital role in guiding the reader’s understanding and shaping the intended message of the text. As such, the strategic use of sentences where this keyword predominate can enhance the coherence and impact of written communication.