a serious influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the impact or effect that something or someone has in a significant or important way. Example: "The documentary had a serious influence on public opinion regarding climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But, like Ryan, many publicly renounce the controversial Russian emigre as a serious influence.

The Guardian

Like James, whom he has cited as a serious influence, Banville is most famous as a stylist.

The New Yorker

The need for greater freedom in design results in solutions that present a serious influence onto the seismic performances of a building.

Procedia Engineering

As a Newsweek editor, he brought a distinct voice to the magazine in the 1960's and early 1970's, when popular culture began to exert a serious influence on the American social landscape.

The New York Times

The results indicate that the piezoelectric effect leads to the concentration of the normal contact pressure and tangential traction, which may cause a serious influence on the fretting contact damage.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

The results of the analysis reveal that the existence of infill panels can substantially change the seismic behavior of the structures and may have a serious influence on their behavior during exposure to mutual pounding under seismic excitation.

Engineering Structures

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Though still deprived of any serious influence in affairs of state, Cranmer dominated and guided the religious revolution of the reign by his learning, authority, and diligence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But a more serious influence is likely to be the Asian economic crisis.

The New York Times

However, several participants viewed them as an acceptable survival strategy in the current socio-economic environment: "The social problems and transformations have a very serious influence on health professionals.

BMC Health Services Research

(From offstage, the Black Lives Matter movement had an equally serious influence on the discussion of race).

The New Yorker

As expected, the Tb29Fe71 layer has an even serious influence on the PMA strength.

Nano-Micro Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a serious influence" when you want to emphasize the significant impact something has had. This phrase carries weight and suggests a substantial effect.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious influence" when the impact is minor or questionable. Save it for situations where the effect is clearly substantial and well-supported by evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious influence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates something or someone that has had a substantial impact or effect. Ludwig confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious influence" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a significant impact or effect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic domains. While not extremely common, its usage is well-established and understood. When aiming to convey the importance of an impact, "a serious influence" is a strong and effective choice. Be mindful to reserve this term for situations where the effect is truly substantial to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major impact

Focuses on the magnitude of the effect, rather than the nature of the influence.

a significant effect

Emphasizes the noteworthiness of the outcome.

a profound impact

Highlights a deeply felt or far-reaching effect.

a considerable effect

Indicates an effect of noteworthy size or importance.

a substantial impact

Stresses the tangible or measurable aspect of the effect.

a weighty factor

Shifts the focus to the importance of something as a contributing element.

a crucial factor

Highlights the critical or indispensable role.

a key influence

Emphasizes the role of something being essential and central to the impact.

a decisive effect

Conveys the idea of an impact that determines an outcome.

a strong effect

Underscores the intensity or power of the result.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious influence" to describe something or someone that has had a noteworthy effect. For example: "The author's early life had a serious influence on his writing."

What are some alternatives to "a serious influence"?

Alternatives include "a significant effect", "a profound impact", or "a major impact", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a serious influence" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing significant impacts or effects in academic, professional, or journalistic contexts.

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

"A serious influence" suggests a weighty or considerable effect, while "a strong influence" simply implies a powerful or marked effect. The former emphasizes importance, while the latter emphasizes intensity.