a powerful figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a powerful figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who holds significant influence, authority, or strength in a particular context, such as politics, business, or social settings. Example: "In the world of finance, she is considered a powerful figure, shaping policies and trends that affect the entire industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Ahmed Wali Karzai was a powerful figure in Afghan politics.

The Guardian

Larijani is a powerful figure and a conservative.

The New Yorker

He was a powerful figure in the state of Michoacán.

The Economist

The British electorate, once again, is not willing to tolerate a powerful figure for over-long.

The Guardian

They also saw little upside to crossing Mrs. Clinton, a powerful figure in the state.

The New York Times

He's well placed to become a powerful figure in Boris's team.

The Guardian - Opinion

Imelda Marcos was a powerful figure in the Philippine government led by her husband, Ferdinand.

The New York Times

Andrea is a powerful figure in the Neves campaign team and has led his communication strategy.

The Guardian

Mr. Klein rose from humble origins to become a powerful figure in the music business.

The New York Times - Arts

Finance minister Wolfgang Schäuble, a powerful figure in Europe's debt crisis, is staying on.

The Guardian

Li Peng, despite his unpopularity, remains a powerful figure in the government.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific context when using "a powerful figure". Ensure that the phrase accurately reflects the person's position and impact within that context.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone is "a powerful figure" without providing any supporting evidence or context. This can make your writing seem vague and unsubstantiated. Always explain why they are considered powerful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a powerful figure" functions as a noun phrase used to describe an individual who holds significant influence, authority, or control. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a powerful figure" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase to describe someone with considerable influence or authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is versatile and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. Related phrases include "an influential leader" and "a dominant personality", offering subtle variations in meaning. When using "a powerful figure", it's best practice to provide specific examples to support your claim and avoid overuse without context. Common errors include vagueness, which can be avoided by providing examples that show why the person is "a powerful figure".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prominent figure

Indicates someone well-known and respected.

a person of influence

Emphasizes the impact and sway the person holds.

a major force

Suggests a significant impact or influence.

an influential leader

Focuses on leadership and the ability to influence others.

an authority figure

Indicates someone with recognized expertise and power.

a person of consequence

Highlights the importance and impact of the individual's actions.

a dominant personality

Highlights the individual's strong and controlling presence.

a key player

Highlights the individual's importance in a specific field or activity.

a force to be reckoned with

Suggests someone formidable and not easily opposed.

a leading light

Emphasizes the person's role as a guide or inspiration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a powerful figure" to describe someone who wields considerable influence or authority, such as "She is "a powerful figure" in the tech industry because of her innovative leadership".

What are some alternatives to "a powerful figure"?

Some alternatives include "an influential leader", "a dominant personality", or "a person of influence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "powerful figure" or "influential person"?

Both "powerful figure" and "influential person" are acceptable, but "powerful figure" often suggests a formal position of authority, while "influential person" can refer to someone who sways opinions without necessarily holding a formal title.

What's the difference between "a powerful figure" and "a formidable figure"?

"A powerful figure" emphasizes authority and control, while "a formidable figure" suggests someone who inspires respect or fear due to their strength or skill. They are similar, but "formidable" has a stronger connotation of challenge or opposition.