a key influence on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key influence on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone that has a significant impact or effect on a particular subject or situation. Example: "The new policy was a key influence on the company's decision to expand its operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mothers are a key influence on adolescent girls' body image.

Body Image

Lars von Trier declared that it was a key influence on his latest movie, Dogville.

The Guardian

It was certainly a key influence on my work with Duran Duran".

The Guardian - Music

A key influence on academy staffing has been the concept of "distributed" leadership.

The Guardian

New trends in technology have a key influence on the inclusion of new words.

The Guardian - Books

Dining is becoming a key influence on our choice of holiday destination.

The Guardian - Travel

There are essays on Oscar Wilde and William S. Burroughs, a key influence on Self.

The New York Times - Books

"We experience this as the Gulf Stream and it is a key influence on our climate".

The Guardian

Here, Mason's folk-rock counters Winwood's jams a key influence on Paul Weller's 90s sound.

The Guardian - Music

Chaim Weizmann, Israel's first president, was a key influence on him.

The New York Times

Punk rock's biggest ally - and a key influence on Joe Strummer and John Lydon - had been roots reggae.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key influence on", ensure that the connection between the influence and the outcome is clear and well-supported by evidence or examples. This strengthens the argument and enhances credibility.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of the influence. Qualify the statement to reflect the actual degree of impact, using terms like 'significant' or 'contributory' if the influence is not the sole determining factor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key influence on" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase indicates that something has a significant impact or effect. It is used to identify factors that are essential or important in shaping an outcome or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a key influence on" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that significantly impacts a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business. While it's crucial to use it accurately and avoid overstating the influence, mastering its usage enhances clarity and precision in writing. Alternative phrases like ""a major impact on"" or ""a significant effect on"" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major impact on

Replaces 'influence' with 'impact', emphasizing the effect rather than the source of influence.

a significant effect on

Substitutes 'influence' with 'effect' and 'key' with 'significant', highlighting the importance of the outcome.

a primary factor in

Changes the structure to focus on the phrase as a contributing element to a result.

a crucial element for

Emphasizes the necessary nature of the influence, framing it as an essential component.

a determining factor for

Indicates that the influence is decisive in shaping the outcome.

a vital component of

Highlights the essential role of the influence within a larger system.

a notable force in

Focuses on the strength and visibility of the influence.

a central aspect of

Shifts the emphasis to the importance of the influence as a core feature.

instrumental in

Implies that the influence was crucial in achieving a particular result.

a strong contributor to

Highlights the contributory role, indicating a substantial positive effect.

FAQs

How can I use "a key influence on" in a sentence?

Use "a key influence on" to describe something that has a significant impact on something else. For example, "Parenting is "a key influence on" development".

What are some alternatives to "a key influence on"?

Alternatives include "a major impact on", "a significant effect on", or "a primary factor in", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a key influence on" or "a major influence on"?

Both "a key influence on" and "a major influence on" are correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on personal preference, although "key" might suggest a more essential or foundational impact compared to "major".

What's the difference between "a key influence on" and "a direct effect on"?

"A key influence on" suggests a contributing factor, while "a direct effect on" implies a more immediate and causal relationship. "A direct effect on" indicates a clear and immediate outcome, whereas ""a key influence on"" implies a broader, potentially long-term impact.