a significant figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an important or notable person, number, or element in a particular context, such as mathematics or statistics. Example: "In the study of statistics, a significant figure is crucial for determining the precision of measurements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Fraser was also a significant figure in promoting a strong and unified western alliance.

The Guardian

Riley Whiting was a clockmaker, a significant figure at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.

The New York Times

Pete remained a significant figure at the company until his death.

The Guardian - Music

The projects made Hampton a significant figure in New York politics.

The Guardian

I had no idea what a significant figure he was in Jamaican "politricks".

The Guardian - Music

Against the odds, he emerged by force of personality as a significant figure on campus.

The New York Times

"He is a significant figure in Russia, and above politics.

The New York Times

Documents suggest Heung was a significant figure in Macau's VIP junkets, including those at Las Vegas Sands' casinos.

The Guardian

Drèze was born in Belgium, became a naturalized Indian, and is now a significant figure on the Indian left.

The New Yorker

Vladimir Vassarenko, a 34-year-old Russian, was a significant figure in the early stages of the investigation, they said.

The New York Times

She will become a productive economic asset for Africa and a significant figure in the battle against AIDS.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant figure", ensure the context clearly establishes why the person or element is considered significant. Provide specific details or examples to support this claim.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant figure" without sufficient justification. Ensure the subject genuinely warrants the description to maintain credibility and avoid hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant figure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies someone or something as being important or noteworthy, as seen in Ludwig's examples, where individuals are described as "a significant figure" in various fields like politics, science, or the arts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a significant figure" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase employed to denote someone or something of considerable importance, impact, or influence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is frequently encountered in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While generally neutral in register, it’s essential to ensure its usage is justified by providing sufficient context and avoiding overstatement. Alternatives include "a prominent individual" or "an important person", depending on the desired nuance. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively use "a significant figure" to enhance the clarity and impact of their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prominent individual

Replaces 'figure' with 'individual' and 'significant' with 'prominent', emphasizing the person's visibility and importance.

an important person

Uses simpler terms like 'important' and 'person', maintaining the core meaning with a less formal tone.

a key player

Emphasizes the active role and importance of the individual in a specific context or situation.

a notable person

Replaces 'significant' with 'notable', focusing on the person's worthiness of attention and recognition.

an influential leader

Highlights the person's ability to affect or shape the actions and opinions of others.

a central figure

Replaces 'significant' with 'central', stressing the person's position as the focal point of something.

a major force

Highlights the person's impact and influence, suggesting they are a powerful entity.

a leading light

Emphasizes the person's role as an inspiration or guide in a particular field or area.

a person of consequence

Uses a more formal and emphatic phrase to denote the person's importance and impact.

an established presence

Focuses on the person's long-term influence and recognition within a specific field or community.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant figure" to describe someone or something important within a specific context. For example, "She was "a significant figure" in the civil rights movement" or "The new data represents "a significant figure" in our financial projections".

What are some alternatives to "a significant figure"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a prominent individual", "an important person", or "a key player".

Is it appropriate to use "a significant figure" in formal writing?

Yes, "a significant figure" is suitable for formal writing. It is a neutral and professional way to describe someone or something of importance. However, ensure that its usage is justified by the context.

What makes someone "a significant figure"?

A person becomes ""a significant figure"" due to their impact, influence, or importance in a particular field, event, or community. Their contributions or actions have a notable effect or lasting legacy.