a primary influence on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a primary influence on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that has a significant impact or effect on a particular subject or situation. Example: "The research indicates that social media is a primary influence on the way young people communicate today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Claude Lorrain, that longtime Italian resident and Turner hero, was a primary influence on Turner's "Liber Studiorum".

The New York Times - Arts

In a paper published to support the new evidence, Vezzosi said Caterina's Middle Eastern heritage was a primary influence on Leonardo's work as an artist, mathematician and philosopher.

The Guardian

But this year two political scientists published studies claiming that in addition to environment, genes may be a primary influence on political engagement.

The New York Times

As long ago as 1976 Bette Midler, a primary influence on Ms. Ebersole, recorded an album with the cautionary title, "Songs for the New Depression".

The New York Times - Arts

(Stephen Holden) ★ THE CLEAN (Thursday) This New Zealand band, which has been going off and on since 1978, plays a jangly, damaged kind of indie psychedelia and was a primary influence on Pavement and Yo La Tengo.

The New York Times - Arts

The original manga was a primary influence on The Matrix and fans of that series' conundrums will find lots to ponder in this spectacular sci-fi noir, a sequel 10 years after the original.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

This could be due to a primary influence of GSCs on tumor recurrence, rather than on overall tumor progression, although GSC-enriching therapies appear to delay recurrences to some extent as well [16], [17].

Plosone

In our research, loneliness might be influenced by depression during the regression analysis or simply was not a primary influence factor on healthy aging.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

In this study, two variables were considered as proxies of the reproductive behaviour: contraceptive use and the average TFR between 2002 and 2011 for each state (table 5). 10 30 66–69 This study provided little evidence that contraceptive use exerts an independent primary influence on maternal mortality differences among Mexican states over the past decade.

BMJ Open

A major limitation of MR is that it can be difficult to distinguish between an exposure causing an outcome and an outcome causing a trait, because genetic variants could have their primary influence on either variable.

Human Molecular Genetics

I think it's because you can shift biology but if everything else, the whole context around one's sex life remains the same, and that will still be the same primary influence on desire," Thea Cacchioni, a sociologist at the University of Victoria and outspoken critic of flebanserin, told VICE News.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the subject being influenced is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "X was a primary influence", specify "X was a primary influence on Y".

Common error

Avoid using "a primary influence on" if the factor in question is only one of many equally important factors. Reserve it for situations where the influence is truly dominant or particularly significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primary influence on" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It indicates that the subject is a significant or leading factor in shaping or affecting something else. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a primary influence on" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to highlight a significant or dominant impact. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English. Its prominence in scientific and news-related contexts underscores its utility in conveying key causative relationships. When employing this phrase, clarity is paramount; ensure the agent experiencing the influence is clearly articulated. While "a primary influence on" is widely accepted and appropriate for formal writing, overusing it or applying it to insignificant factors can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives like "a major factor in" or "a significant impact on" to provide variety and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major contributing factor to

This alternative emphasizes the role of the influence as a significant component of a larger outcome.

a key determinant of

This option highlights the influence's power to define or control a specific result.

a significant impact on

This phrase shifts the focus to the effect of the influence, rather than its inherent nature.

a leading driver of

This alternative suggests that the influence propels or motivates a particular process or change.

a crucial factor in

This phrase emphasizes that the influence is essential and vital for something to happen or succeed.

a central aspect of

This alternative reframes the influence as being at the core or heart of something.

a cornerstone of

This metaphor highlights the foundational role of the influence, suggesting it is essential for stability and support.

a powerful force behind

This option emphasizes the strength and energy of the influence.

a formative influence on

This alternative highlights that the influence shapes or molds something over time.

a predominant factor in

This option suggests the influence is the most noticeable or has the most power.

FAQs

How can I use "a primary influence on" in a sentence?

Use "a primary influence on" to describe something that has a major effect or impact on something else. For example, "Early childhood experiences are "a primary influence on" personality development".

What are some alternatives to "a primary influence on"?

You can use alternatives like "a major factor in", "a key determinant of", or "a significant impact on" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a primary influence on" in formal writing?

Yes, "a primary influence on" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to indicate that something has a significant impact on something else.

What is the difference between "a primary influence on" and "a secondary influence on"?

"A primary influence on" indicates something that has a major or dominant effect, while "a secondary influence on" indicates something that has a lesser or supporting effect.