a massive figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a massive figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person or object that is large in size or stature, often conveying a sense of importance or prominence. Example: "The artist created a massive figure that dominated the gallery space, drawing the attention of all the visitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

[He was] a massive figure in the history of the whole planet.

The Guardian

"He inspires me, he's a massive figure in the dressing room.

The Guardian - Sport

On the other, Eddie Adkins, a massive figure in British time trialling and a hero of the young Yates.

The Guardian - Sport

Hodgson has been a massive figure on the domestic scene since first appearing for Sale in 2000.

The Guardian - Sport

A massive figure, he takes his time to display his power and conquers through projection and commitment.

The New York Times - Arts

The project, whose approval was noted in an official decree published Friday, will include the construction of more than 100 miles of automatic subway lines and 57 new stations, linking the suburbs around Paris in a massive figure 8.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

In my youth in London, Oliver, Uncle Ollie, was a towering figure, with a massive build, a 60-inch chest, 22-inch neck and an insatiable appetite.

The Guardian - Books

At the turn of the century he was a bizarrely massive figure in music, known best for making dinner party house music and his feud with Eminem.

Vice

In addition, there are free-standing sculptures such as Witness, a massive maternal figure brought low by the anguish of war, made from clay at Spinner's workshop in Provence.

The Guardian - Arts

A FRIEND who watched Iris Murdoch writing a novel said she looked like a massive bronze figure by Henry Moore, seated at a table between two tall stacks of paper, motionless save for her writing hand traveling rapidly across each page before transferring it to the full pile and taking a fresh sheet from the stack of empties.

The New York Times - Books

The grand finale of the fest is a massive wooden figure that towers over the landscape, set ablaze for all to watch and reflect.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a massive figure" when you want to convey both the importance and substantial impact of someone or something, but be mindful of the context. If the physical size is irrelevant, consider alternatives like "a significant person".

Common error

Avoid using "a massive figure" in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "important person" or "big deal" would be more appropriate. It can sound overly formal or dramatic in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a massive figure" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It commonly describes an individual or entity of significant importance or considerable size, either literally or figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a massive figure" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe someone or something of great importance, size, or influence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its application spans across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context and intended tone, opting for simpler alternatives in informal situations. Remember that while "a massive figure" can be used for both people and objects, it often conveys more than just physical size—it suggests significant impact. When choosing alternatives, like "a significant person" or "a towering presence", ensure they align with the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a towering presence

Similar in meaning but places greater emphasis on the impression of size and dominance.

a significant person

Focuses on the importance of the person, omitting the size aspect.

an influential personality

Highlights the influence someone has, rather than their physical size or general importance.

a prominent individual

Highlights the visibility and recognition of the person.

a major player

Emphasizes someone's role in a particular field or situation.

an important leader

Highlights leadership role and importance.

a dominant force

Focuses on the power and influence exerted.

a considerable force

Indicates a notable level of power or influence.

a substantial influence

Shifts the focus from the person to their effect or impact.

a notable entity

More formal and can be used for both people and organizations.

FAQs

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

You can use "a massive figure" to describe someone or something that is very important, influential, or large. For example, "Fidel Castro was "a massive figure" in the history of Cuba."

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

You can use alternatives like "a significant person", "an influential personality", or "a towering presence" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a massive figure" to describe an object?

Yes, "a massive figure" can describe an object, especially if emphasizing its size or impact. For instance, "The project will link the suburbs around Paris in "a massive figure" 8."

What's the difference between "a massive figure" and "a large figure"?

While both describe size, "a massive figure" often implies greater importance or impact compared to "a large figure", which primarily focuses on physical size.