a focal figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a focal figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is central or of great importance in a particular context or situation. Example: "In the discussion about climate change, Greta Thunberg has become a focal figure, inspiring many to take action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Although Lecavalier had no goals and three assists in the series, he was a focal figure.

The New York Times - Sports

Depicting a seated male nude straining every muscle in the throes of cognition, it was originally intended as a focal figure for Rodin's huge, unfinished bronze door, "The Gates of Hell".

The New York Times - Arts

Mérimée, a medievalist of note, was inspector of the recently formed Commission on Historical Monuments, an organization in which Viollet-le-Duc soon became a focal figure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In that regard, Mr. Thurlbeck has become a focal figure, suing the company for his legal costs and using a blog on his own Web site to excoriate News International executives for passing information to Scotland Yard that led to some of the recent arrests.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

To that end we compare cTBS effects elicited with a focal figure-of-eight-coil with those elicited by a simple, less focal round coil, since Franca et al. (2006) were using a round coil.

Clinical Neurophysiology

A sticking point was that while Mr. Funicello and Mr. Sullivan knew that Mr. Baitz had imagined his focal figure to be an expatriate figurative painter living in Mexico, it was "always up in the air what this man painted like".

The New York Times - Arts

Systemic minipump infusion of Ang-(1 7) into normal control mice for 5 days caused an important increase in the number of monocytes/macrophages in the interstitium, distributed in a focal manner (Figure 4A, upper row).

Plosone

Unity in a scene was provided by the focal figure of the most important person, the king or tomb owner.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In certain religious pageants the focal figure is not a living person at all but the icon or statue of a god or saint.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The first focal figure in "Defying Dixie" is Lovett Fort-Whiteman, a widely traveled Texan who in 1919 became "the first American-born black Communist".

The New York Times - Books

Since Dennis and Jessica meet only briefly -- on the morning of the second act following their eventful previous-night first-act tete-a-tete -- it's Warren who interacts with them both and is therefore the focal figure.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a focal figure" when you want to emphasize the central importance of a person or thing in a specific context. It's particularly useful in academic, journalistic, and artistic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a focal figure" when the person or thing is only marginally relevant. Ensure they are truly central to the topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a focal figure" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a person or entity of central importance. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples, demonstrating its consistent use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a focal figure" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to denote a person or thing of central importance within a particular context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources. While alternatives like ""a central figure"" or ""a key figure"" exist, "a focal figure" specifically highlights the drawing of attention or being the primary focus. When employing this phrase, ensure the subject truly holds a central role and avoid using it in contexts where the relevance is marginal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central figure

Replaces "focal" with "central", emphasizing the importance of being in the middle or core.

a key figure

Substitutes "focal" with "key", highlighting the significance and essential nature of the figure.

a leading figure

Emphasizes the role of guiding or directing others.

a prominent figure

Highlights the figure's notability and visibility.

a main figure

Replaces "focal" with "main", indicating primary importance.

a central character

Specifically emphasizes the role of a character, often in narratives.

a pivotal character

Highlights the character's critical impact on events.

a core element

Shifts the focus to a non-personal element of essential importance.

a cornerstone

Highlights the foundational and critical aspect.

the center of attention

Indicates someone or something that is the primary focus of interest.

FAQs

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

Use "a focal figure" to denote the central person or element in a specific scenario. For example, "The CEO became "a focal figure" in the company's restructuring process."

What can I say instead of "a focal figure"?

You can use alternatives like "a central figure", "a key figure", or "a leading figure" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a focal point" or "a focal figure"?

"A focal point" usually refers to a specific location or object that draws attention, while "a focal figure" typically refers to a person or character of central importance.

When is it appropriate to use "a central figure" instead of "a focal figure"?

"A central figure" is a good alternative when you want to emphasize the person's importance as the core element, whereas "a focal figure" emphasizes the drawing of attention or being the main focus.