a person of consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a person of consequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who has significant influence, importance, or status in a particular context or situation. Example: "In the world of politics, he is regarded as a person of consequence, often shaping key decisions and policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

You were a person of consequence.

The New Yorker

Her action forced a debate on Iran's Constitution, which said that only a rajol -- a person of consequence -- could run.

The New York Times

But there is such a vacuum, and therefore Glenn Beck, like it or not, is a person of consequence.

The New Yorker

The victim is perceived first as a person of consequence, then suddenly as an inert body subject to the laws of physics: authority is debunked by gravity, mind by matter; man is degraded to a mechanism.

Britannica

I was taken on by the Western Daily Press, a Bristol broadsheet, as a junior reporter in 1954, and, coming from an entire childhood of boarding school, I was thrilled to become, overnight, a person of consequence.

Independent

What else would give you the gravitas you'll need to be a person of consequence in later life?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Not only the fact that a Baltimore nobody could take out one of the Greek's top men, but also Ziggy's personal transformation from an immature object of ridicule to a person of (rather severe) consequence.

The Guardian

Just as the Miss America Pageant is now billed as the largest scholarship program for women in the country, so the BAP can be labeled a person of vision and consequence.

The New York Times - Style

They also came to name a person of note or consequence.

Huffington Post

Maybe one day a white actor cast in a role that's intended to be played by a person of color will acknowledge the consequences of whitewashing on communities underrepresented on screen.

HuffPost

His essay on gift exchange drew on the work of the seminal turn-of-the-century ethnographers Franz Boas and Bronislaw Malinowski to explore aboriginal societies in which the person of consequence — the man or woman who is deemed worthy of adulation, respect and emulation — is not the one who accumulates the most goods but the one who disperses them.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a person of consequence", ensure the context clearly establishes why the individual holds significance. Provide specific examples of their actions or influence to reinforce their importance.

Common error

Avoid using "a person of consequence" hyperbolically. Ensure the individual's actions and impact genuinely warrant such a description, or it may appear exaggerated or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a person of consequence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It serves to identify or describe someone who holds significant importance or influence within a given context. Ludwig AI identifies this phrase as grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a person of consequence" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote someone with considerable influence or importance. While Ludwig confirms its validity and usability, its frequency is uncommon, appearing predominantly in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "an important individual" and "a significant figure", each carrying subtle differences in connotation. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the context substantiates the individual's significance to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an important individual

Focuses more directly on the importance of the individual, without necessarily implying influence.

a significant figure

Highlights the notability and impact of the person, often in a historical or broad context.

an influential person

Emphasizes the person's capacity to affect others and outcomes.

a notable individual

Indicates that the person is worthy of attention or recognition.

a person of influence

A more concise version emphasizing the ability to affect outcomes and opinions.

a leading light

Suggests someone who provides guidance or sets an example for others to follow.

a key player

Highlights the individual's role in a particular field or endeavor.

a figure of importance

Similar to "an important individual", but perhaps slightly more formal.

a person of note

Indicates that the person is well-known or respected in their field.

a force to be reckoned with

Suggests that the person has power or influence and should be taken seriously.

FAQs

How can I use "a person of consequence" in a sentence?

You can use "a person of consequence" to describe someone who has significant influence or importance in a particular context. For example, "The senator is "a person of consequence" in shaping national policy".

What are some alternatives to "a person of consequence"?

Some alternatives include "an important individual", "a significant figure", or "an influential person" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "person of consequence" formal or informal?

"Person of consequence" leans towards a more formal register. In informal contexts, you might opt for a simpler phrase like "someone important".

What makes someone "a person of consequence"?

A person becomes "a person of consequence" through their actions, influence, or position, which leads to a significant impact on events, decisions, or other people. It's about having a noticeable effect or importance within a certain sphere.