a potent influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a potent influence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone that has a strong and effective impact on a situation, person, or outcome. Example: "The author's work has been a potent influence on modern literature, shaping the way stories are told today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

During this period, Nesuhi was a potent influence in Ahmet's life.

The New Yorker

Argo is partly based on a Wired magazine article called The Great Escape, and that film is a potent influence.

The Guardian - Film

He exerted a potent influence on later writers, particularly upon the early writers of narrative prose and fiction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As Ms. Larkin points out, they have an almost calligraphic quality, like Japanese prints, a potent influence on Twachtman and his fellow artists.

The New York Times - Arts

As Peter Croft's illuminating Introduction makes clear, courtly love was still a potent influence on the Elizabethan poets, and Neoplatonic idealism informs much of Sidney's work.

The Guardian - Books

He has helped many people and has been a potent influence in bringing yoga therapy to where it is today, and where it is headed tomorrow.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Although the negative results in the FEV1 decline in the present study are likely due to the short study period and the small number of enrolled subjects, the results of the present study suggest that acute COPD exacerbations have a more potent influence on the long-term deterioration in health status than on pulmonary function.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Inhibitor treatment was found to cause a much more potent influence on TLR3 than the mimics.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

However, despite this uncertainty, it is widely recognized that the effects due to agonal stress usually have a much more potent influence on gene expression patterns than do mental disorders.

BMC Genomics

More recently, however, the group of Jane Hurst used wild mice rather than inbred strains to document the mating behaviours of mice, and identified that major urinary proteins (MUPs) had a much more potent influence on kin recognition, and incest avoidance, than did the MHC [ 97].

Biology Direct

It is believed that exosomes could have a much more potent influence on the physiology of the cells they encounter than single-molecule mediators because the numerous proteic, lipidic and nucleic acid components they carry can affect multiple signalling pathways inside target cells.

Diabetologia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a potent influence" when you want to emphasize that something or someone has a strong and noticeable impact. It adds a touch of formality and gravity to your writing.

Common error

While "a potent influence" is grammatically sound, avoid using it in casual or informal settings where it may sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a big impact" or "a strong effect".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a potent influence" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes something or someone that exerts a strong and effective impact. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples from varied sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a potent influence" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that signifies a strong and effective impact. Ludwig AI validates this with numerous examples across diverse contexts. It is most frequently found in news media and scientific writing, indicating a formal to neutral register. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in informal settings. For increased clarity or to better suit a particular context, alternatives such as "a powerful effect" or "a significant impact" may be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a powerful effect

This alternative replaces "potent influence" with more common synonyms while retaining the core meaning of a strong impact.

a significant impact

Replaces "potent" with "significant", maintaining the sense of a noteworthy effect.

a considerable effect

Substitutes "potent" with "considerable", indicating a substantial impact.

a strong force

Shifts the metaphor to a physical force, implying a powerful influence.

a dominant force

Suggests the influence is prevailing or controlling.

a decisive factor

Highlights the role of the influence in determining an outcome.

a major determinant

Focuses on the influence as a key element shaping a result.

a key driver

Implies that the influence is propelling or motivating something.

a transformative effect

Highlights the influence's ability to cause significant change.

a primary shaper

Focuses on the influence's role in forming or molding something.

FAQs

How can I use "a potent influence" in a sentence?

Use "a potent influence" to describe something that has a strong and effective impact. For example, "Culture can be "a potent influence" on our intuitions about the supernatural".

What can I say instead of "a potent influence"?

You can use alternatives like "a powerful effect", "a significant impact", or "a strong force" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a potent influence" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a potent influence" is better suited for formal writing or speeches. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives like "a big impact" are often more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a potent influence" and "a strong influence"?

"A potent influence" implies a more powerful and effective impact than "a strong influence". "Potent" suggests that the influence is capable of producing significant results or changes.