a dominating force

USAGE SUMMARY

'a dominating force' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It describes something or someone that has a strong and controlling influence over a situation or group. Example: The company's CEO was a dominating force in the boardroom, making all major decisions and leading the team to success.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Americans are a dominating force in baseball.

The New York Times - Sports

But Shockey has not been a dominating force.

The New York Times - Sports

Until the 1960s the club was a dominating force in the amateur Isthmian League.

The Guardian - Sport

During her time, she has turned the program into a dominating force in the Ivy League and in the region.

Princeton University

Jenkins and his brother Hayes Alan were a dominating force in American competitive for much of the 1950s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Labor, once a dominating force in Israeli politics, won just 13 seats in the 120-seat Parliament.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Together with their friends in Silicon Valley, communitarians are becoming a dominate force in society.

TechCrunch

At 6'3", Gabby is a dominate force on and off the pro beach volleyball circuit.

Huffington Post

When asked about Jackson's and Van Gundy's similar assertions about him, Cuban sent a tongue-in-cheek e-mail reply Friday: "It proves I'm an intimidating, dominating force in the N.B.A. Coaches and officials alike shiver at the mention of my name.

The New York Times

Starting with his 1951 book, God and Man at Yale, in which he takes his alma mater to task for its growing hostility to religion and capitalism, Buckley was at the forefront of making conservatism a potent and dominating force in American life.

Forbes

Woe has always been a harshly emotional entity, but here, the dominating force is pure, seething fury.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dominating force" when you want to emphasize a strong influence or control, rather than a simple presence or participation. Consider more nuanced language if the influence is indirect.

Common error

Avoid using "a dominating force" when describing situations with shared leadership or distributed influence. The phrase implies a hierarchical power structure, so ensure this accurately reflects the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dominating force" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or an object, describing something or someone that exerts significant control or influence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

13%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dominating force" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that signifies significant control or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase frequently appears in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts, underscoring its versatility. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity about the entity being dominated and the scope of its influence. While alternatives like ""a major influence"" or ""a powerful presence"" exist, "a dominating force" provides a distinct emphasis on authority and control. Overall, it's a valuable phrase for conveying strength and influence in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major influence

Focuses on the power to affect or shape something, rather than direct control.

a powerful presence

Emphasizes the impact and effect that someone or something has.

a leading figure

Highlights someone's position at the forefront of a field or movement.

a significant power

Indicates substantial control or authority, often in a political or economic context.

a primary driver

Focuses on something that propels or motivates action or change.

a controlling factor

Highlights the element that dictates or determines an outcome.

a central figure

Emphasizes the importance and role of someone within a group or situation.

a key player

Highlights someone's active and influential role in a particular field.

a potent influence

Stresses the effectiveness and impact of the influencing agent.

a formidable entity

Emphasizes the strength and impressiveness of the person or thing.

FAQs

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

You can use "a dominating force" to describe something or someone that has a major influence or control. For example, "Technology has become "a dominating force" in modern education."

What are some alternatives to saying "a dominating force"?

Alternatives include "a major influence", "a powerful presence", or "a leading figure", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a dominating force" or should I use another phrase?

The phrase "a dominating force" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its appropriateness depends on whether it accurately reflects the level of control or influence you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "a dominating force" and "a leading force"?

"A dominating force" implies control and authority, while "a leading force" suggests guidance and direction. The former is more about power, the latter about influence and direction.