a defining force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a defining force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that has a significant impact or influence on a situation, event, or development. Example: "The internet has become a defining force in shaping modern communication and social interactions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

In college, it became a defining force in my life.

The New York Times - Magazine

If the Source has a unifying theme, it is that migration is a defining force nearly everywhere.

The New York Times

Lest we think college obsession is normal, it's not a defining force in many parts of the world.

The Washington Post

Mr. Kang was no less a defining force, taking full advantage of his instrument's potential within the trio.

The New York Times - Arts

Born in Cuba in 1930, Fornés is regarded as a defining force within the off-off-Broadway movement of the 1960s and 1970s.

Princeton University

It obscured the fact that Shelly Silver and the Democratic majority have been a defining force on the substance of what matters to people in Westchester".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

After reaching a defined force, here 10 nanoNewton (nN), the contact is maintained for 5 s before retracting the cantilever and recording its deflection, caused by the occurring adhesive forces between bead and bacterium (Fig. 1b).

Nature

This viscoelasticity results in materials displaying increased deformation with time under the imposition of a defined force or stress, a phenomenon referred to as time-dependent deformation or 'creep'.

Biomaterials

In uniaxial tests, a specimen, usually a rectangular or dumbbell-shaped strip of cuticle or skin, is subjected to a defined force applied along the axis of extension and the force and extension are monitored.

AoB PLANTS

If there is a single, defining force in Alik's dwindling life, it is his sense of being Russian: away from his homeland, he has "built his Russia around him, a Russia which hadn't existed for a long time and perhaps never had".

The New York Times - Books

Ashoka: You've been a global defining force in several spheres, including microcredit and more recently, social business.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a defining force" to emphasize the significant impact and shaping influence of something, choosing it over alternatives when you want to convey a sense of transformative power.

Common error

Avoid using "a defining force" in contexts where a weaker term like "important factor" would suffice; reserve it for situations where the subject truly reshapes or fundamentally alters something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a defining force" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object, identifying something that has a significant impact or influence. It often follows a linking verb such as "is" or "has become", as demonstrated by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a defining force" is a noun phrase used to describe something that significantly shapes or influences a situation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not as frequent as some alternatives, it's commonly found in News & Media, Academic and Scientific writing. When using "a defining force", ensure that the subject truly reshapes the context and you are not just using it as a synonym for “important element”. Alternatives like "a major influence" or "a key factor" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major influence

Focuses on the impact of something, rather than its role in shaping something.

a key factor

Highlights the importance of something as a contributing element.

a significant influence

Emphasizes the extent of the impact something has.

a primary driver

Suggests something is the main cause or impetus behind something else.

a formative influence

Highlights the impact on development or growth.

a crucial determinant

Emphasizes the decisive nature of something in determining an outcome.

an instrumental factor

Highlights the role of something as a tool or means to an end.

a powerful agent

Suggests something has the strength to effect change.

a leading influence

Highlights the prominent or dominant role something plays.

a central element

Focuses on the core or essential nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a defining force" in a sentence?

Use "a defining force" to describe something that significantly shapes or influences an event, idea, or trend. For example, "Technology has become "a defining force" in modern education".

What can I say instead of "a defining force"?

You can use alternatives like "a major influence", "a key factor", or "a significant influence" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a defining force" in formal writing?

Yes, "a defining force" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing significant influences or factors that shape outcomes. Its use is supported by examples from news media, academic, and scientific sources.

What distinguishes "a defining force" from "an important factor"?

"A defining force" implies a greater degree of influence and transformation compared to "an important factor". Use "a defining force" when something fundamentally reshapes the subject, not just contributes to it.