a dominant force in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dominant force in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that has a significant influence or control in a particular area or field. Example: "The company has established itself as a dominant force in the technology industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Formerly a dominant force in society".

The New York Times

Photographers have long been a dominant force in Yosemite Valley.

The New York Times

Can ITV ever be a dominant force in the future of commercial broadcasting?

The Guardian

It would also set up a dominant force in Alberta's oil sands.

The New York Times

Nicol Williamson (obituary, 27 January) was a dominant force in British theatre.

The Guardian

Despite higher costs, Cisco remains a dominant force in networking because of its solid reputation.

The New York Times - Tech

With our resources, we should be a dominant force in tennis year in, year out.

The New York Times - Sports

The Cod Army have seldom been a dominant force in any game this season.

Independent

The jumps made Plushenko a dominant force in figure skating and a world and Olympic champion.

The New York Times

Mr. Myerson said Microsoft was aware that Windows was not a dominant force in mobile devices.

The New York Times - Tech

Matic believes the Blues will develop into a dominant force in Europe as well as England.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a dominant force in", ensure the context clearly defines the area or field in which the subject exerts significant influence or control.

Common error

Avoid using "a dominant force in" when the subject's influence is only moderate or localized. Use more nuanced language to accurately reflect the degree of influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dominant force in" functions as a predicate nominative or adjective phrase, characterizing a subject as having significant control or influence within a specified context. Ludwig provides many examples, demonstrating its versatile use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Huffington Post

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a dominant force in" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe something or someone with significant influence or control within a particular context. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent use in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the area of influence and that the subject's impact is substantial. Be cautious not to overstate influence when a more nuanced term might be more appropriate. Alternatives like "a leading presence in" or "a major player in" can be considered for slightly different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major player in

Highlights the importance and influence within a particular field or industry.

a powerful entity in

Stresses strength and capacity to affect outcomes, implying influence.

a leading presence in

Focuses on visibility and influence rather than direct control.

a noteworthy power in

Highlights the influence and strength, suggesting importance in a specific area.

a central figure in

Emphasizes importance and leadership, but not necessarily dominance.

a significant influence on

Emphasizes the impact and effect on something, rather than outright dominance.

a primary driver of

Highlights the role of instigating and propelling progress, not necessarily control.

a substantial impact on

Focuses on the degree of influence or change caused, not direct dominance.

a key factor in

Indicates importance and contribution to an outcome, downplaying complete control.

a critical component of

Focuses on being essential, rather than holding power or control.

FAQs

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

Use "a dominant force in" to describe something or someone exerting significant control or influence within a specific domain. For example, "Technology is "a dominant force in" modern education".

What are some alternatives to "a dominant force in"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a leading presence in", "a major player in", or "a significant influence on".

When is it appropriate to use "a dominant force in"?

It's appropriate when describing an entity that demonstrably exerts significant control or influence over a specific area or field. Ensure this influence is substantial and well-defined.

What's the difference between "a dominant force in" and "a major influence in"?

"A dominant force in" implies a greater degree of control and power, whereas "a major influence in" suggests a significant but potentially less controlling effect.