a distinguished figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distinguished figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who is respected and admired for their achievements or contributions in a particular field or society. Example: "Albert Einstein is often regarded as a distinguished figure in the world of science due to his groundbreaking theories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"He's a distinguished figure, he has stature".

The New York Times

Dated 1946, the tapestry was designed by Maurice Brianchon, a distinguished figure in French decorative arts.

The New York Times - Arts

Guttenberg had been a distinguished figure in the Christian Social Union (CSU), the CDU's Bavarian partner.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And Mr. Bergman, who in his late 80s still cuts a distinguished figure, was movie-star handsome as a younger man.

The New York Times

That such a distinguished figure should revise one of his most controversial decisions has inevitably focused attention on his judicial past.

The Guardian

This approach essentially gave rise to the research team, a group of scholars headed by a distinguished figure which receives funding to achieve a particular goal.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In the 1960s and '70s, as his hair turned white and he became an even more distinguished figure, Mr. Nielsen played serious military men, government leaders and even a mob boss, appearing in crime dramas, westerns and the occasional horror movie.

The New York Times

We are limited here by the historical record – which preserves the accounts of a few distinguished figures – but there is no reason to believe the hope and trepidation that they expressed were not also felt by a great many of their lesser-known contemporaries.

The Guardian

Yet I have just been reading a book by a distinguished Catholic figure which has the almost provocative subtitle "Encouraging Muslims and Christians to Pray Together".

The Economist

And here, nearly nine months later, was Israel's national theater finding that many a distinguished cultural figure in Britain wanted the troupe's visit to the Globe called off because of its touring activities back home.

The New York Times - Arts

Even the Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren, a distinguished public figure and presidential material (she declined to stand), is equivocating, despite gossip that Clinton may offer her the No 2 spot and double down on her gender credentials.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distinguished figure" when you want to convey respect and admiration for someone who has made significant contributions in their field or community. This phrase is suitable for formal writing and speeches.

Common error

Avoid using "a distinguished figure" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "well-respected person" or "prominent individual" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinguished figure" functions as a noun phrase, where 'distinguished' acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun 'figure'. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distinguished figure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe someone highly respected for their achievements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for formal writing, news reporting, and academic discourse. While it's a common expression, you should consider using simpler alternatives in informal settings. The phrase is frequently found in sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica. Therefore, when aiming to convey respect and recognition in formal contexts, "a distinguished figure" remains an appropriate and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an eminent person

Replaces "distinguished" with "eminent", suggesting high repute and outstanding achievement.

a notable individual

Substitutes "distinguished" with "notable", indicating someone worthy of attention or recognition.

a prominent personality

Replaces "figure" with "personality", highlighting someone well-known and influential.

a respected leader

Emphasizes the leadership qualities of the person, suggesting they are held in high esteem.

a renowned personage

Uses more formal language, replacing "figure" with "personage" and "distinguished" with "renowned".

a celebrated luminary

Implies fame and brilliance, suggesting the person is a source of inspiration or admiration.

a significant player

Focuses on the person's importance or influence in a particular field or situation.

an influential person

Highlights the person's ability to affect or shape opinions and events.

a high-profile figure

Emphasizes the person's visibility and recognition in the public sphere.

an accomplished individual

Focuses on the person's achievements and successes.

FAQs

How can I use "a distinguished figure" in a sentence?

Use "a distinguished figure" to describe someone who is highly respected and renowned in their field. For example: "Nelson Mandela is remembered as "a distinguished figure" in the fight against apartheid."

What are some alternatives to saying "a distinguished figure"?

You can use phrases like "a prominent person", "an eminent individual", or "a notable figure" as alternatives depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a distinguished figure" in informal conversations?

While grammatically correct, "a distinguished figure" might sound too formal in casual settings. Consider using simpler phrases like "well-known person" or "respected individual" instead.

What qualities define "a distinguished figure"?

A "distinguished figure" is typically defined by their significant achievements, respected reputation, and notable contributions to a particular field or society.