a serious force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that has significant power, influence, or impact in a particular context. Example: "The new environmental policy is a serious force in the fight against climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

The Lib Dems are a serious force in government.

The Guardian - Opinion

His support for the breakaway faction could turn it into a serious force.

The Guardian

But in the dance world, South Korean hip-hop has been a serious force for years.

The Guardian

For the first time in a generation, students are a serious force in British politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

She is also seen as a serious force in the party.

The Guardian - Business

One reason why BP gobbled up Amoco was to expand its small asset base in gas into a serious force.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Over the years, the Justice Department has signed many such consent decrees with local law enforcement agencies over excesses in a single area, like an overuse of serious force or racial profiling.

The New York Times

Imagine, for a moment, if a jumpy security guard had regarded the approaching figure as a threat and responded with serious force?

The New York Times

During the stunt, Mr. Aubin was launched from the back of the stage like a slingshot, landing again with serious force at the lip of the stage.

The New York Times

Jacobitism thereafter declined as a serious political force but remained as a sentiment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is a serious work force crisis in child welfare, with chronic staff turnover and vacancies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious force", ensure the context clearly establishes the domain in which the subject exerts influence. For example, specify "a serious force in politics" or "a serious force in the market".

Common error

Avoid using "a serious force" to describe something with only potential impact. Reserve this phrase for entities with demonstrated and significant influence, not merely aspirations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious force" functions as a descriptive term, typically used to denote entities or individuals wielding significant power, influence, or impact within a specific domain. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a serious force" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something or someone with substantial power, influence, or impact. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used across various contexts, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, be sure to specify the area in which the subject exerts its influence to avoid ambiguity. While it's appropriate for formal writing, be cautious not to overstate the influence of something with only potential impact. Alternatives like "a major influence" or "a significant power" can be used to vary your language while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major influence

Replaces "force" with "influence", focusing on the impact someone or something has.

a significant power

Substitutes "force" with "power", emphasizing control and authority.

a potent influence

Combines "potent" and "influence" to intensify the sense of impact, differing slightly from the original phrase.

a considerable factor

Changes "force" to "factor", highlighting its role as an important element.

a driving influence

Changes the quality of "force" to being a "driving influence" that pushes action.

a dominant presence

Replaces the concept of "force" with "presence", suggesting a strong and noticeable impact.

a formidable entity

Uses "entity" instead of "force", indicating a powerful and respected organization or individual.

a notable contender

Changes the focus of "force" to that of a competing entity.

a vital player

Focuses on importance and key roles, substituting "force" with "player".

a meaningful movement

Changes the quality of "force" to that of a "meaningful movement" that has a great impact on society.

FAQs

How can I use "a serious force" in a sentence?

Use "a serious force" to describe someone or something with significant power or influence, such as "The new technology company quickly became "a serious force" in the industry".

What's a good alternative to "a serious force"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a major influence", "a significant power", or "a dominant presence".

Is it appropriate to use "a serious force" in formal writing?

Yes, "a serious force" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in business or news contexts, to describe entities with substantial impact or power. It can also be used in encyclopedic contexts.

What are some common collocations with "a serious force"?

Common collocations include "a serious political force", "a serious military force", and "a serious economic force", each specifying the domain of influence.