a major proponent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major proponent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who strongly supports or advocates for a particular idea, cause, or policy. Example: "She has been a major proponent of renewable energy initiatives in her community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Turner has been a major proponent of instant replay.

The New York Times - Sports

Heimpel, a major proponent of biocontrol, stresses the datedness of these examples.

The New Yorker

Lutoslawski was inspired to use aleatoric techniques after listening to scores by John Cage, a major proponent of chance music.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Kadyrov, a major proponent of the rules, was infuriated, and at a meeting, fired her from the rights board.

The New York Times

Robert Willington, Mr. Brown's online campaign strategist, also has been a major proponent of using Google apps.

The Guardian

American restaurateur, chef, and food activist who was a major proponent of the "slow food" movement, which billed itself as the healthy antithesis to fast food.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mario Cuomo of New York (a major proponent of a ticket featuring both Mrs. Clinton and Senator Barack Obama and Roy Romerr of Colorado.

The New York Times

In Arizona, State Senator Russell Bowers, a major proponent of the ban on school outreach, defended his position, saying: "I feel schools are for education.

The New York Times

"No one wants to be promoting the illegal trade," said James Cuno, CEO of the Getty Trust and a major proponent of universal museums.

The Guardian

A major proponent of parenting "training" is the Sutton Trust, which recently produced its own estimate that 40% of children lack "secure attachments".

The Guardian

Richard Blumenthal, the attorney general of Connecticut, who has been a major proponent of age verification, said he had only recently heard about the privacy worries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "leading supporter" or "key advocate" to avoid repetition if you use the phrase frequently in your text.

Common error

Avoid using "a major proponent" if the individual's support is minor or insignificant. This can exaggerate their role and mislead the reader. Make sure that the person in question really has a major influence on the topic you are writing about.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major proponent" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or appositive. It identifies someone who strongly advocates for something, as shown in Ludwig's examples, such as "Turner has been a major proponent of instant replay."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major proponent" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to describe someone who strongly supports a particular cause or idea. As Ludwig highlights, its usage spans various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure that the individual's support is indeed significant and that the context clearly defines what they are advocating for. Consider using synonyms such as "strong advocate" or "leading supporter" for variety. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability, making it a reliable choice for expressing support in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong advocate

Emphasizes active support and promotion but omits the sense of being a leading figure.

a key advocate

Highlights the importance of the advocating role but is less emphatic than "major".

a leading supporter

Focuses on the support aspect and positions the individual as prominent.

a primary champion

Stresses the role of defending and promoting an idea or cause.

a principal advocate

Highlights importance and advocacy, similar to "major" but with a slightly different tone.

a significant backer

Emphasizes the support aspect and the importance of the individual's backing.

a central figure

Highlights the person's importance but less directly refers to supporting a cause.

a prime mover

Implies initiating and driving a movement or idea forward.

a driving force

Focuses on the energy and influence the person brings to a cause.

a staunch defender

Emphasizes unwavering support and protection of an idea or cause.

FAQs

How can I use "a major proponent" in a sentence?

You can use "a major proponent" to describe someone who actively supports a particular idea or cause. For example, "She is "a major proponent" of environmental conservation".

What are some alternatives to saying "a major proponent"?

Alternatives include "a strong advocate", "a leading supporter", or "a principal advocate", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "major proponent of" or should it be "major proponent for"?

It is correct to say "major proponent of". The preposition "of" is typically used to connect "proponent" with the cause or idea being supported.

What's the difference between "a major proponent" and "a key supporter"?

"A major proponent" suggests a more active and influential role in advocating for something, while "a key supporter" implies significant but potentially less vocal or visible backing.