a significant influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant influence" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that has a powerful or important impact on a situation or person. It can also be used to describe a noticeable or noteworthy effect. Example: My grandmother's wise words have been a significant influence on my decision to pursue a career in social work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Intel and Microsoft have a significant influence on the Nasdaq.

The New York Times

However, the SNP could have a significant influence in Parliament.

Independent

"We show experimentally that the referees have a significant influence," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

(The economy and eloquence of Northern workingmen's club comedy also had a significant influence on him).

The New Yorker

Mayfield also became a significant influence on the development of Jamaican music.

The Guardian

Unions have always had a significant influence in the Labour party.

The Guardian - Opinion

So the net presence has a significant influence on overall company sales".

The Guardian - Tech

Samuel Beckett (1906-89) had a significant influence on Albee's style.

The New Yorker

The composer John Adams has cited Sibelius as a significant influence.

The New York Times - Arts

The future of Greenland will have a significant influence on sea level rise.

The Guardian

"I think it's already having a significant influence on businesses, which are already revising their tax planning," said Saint-Amans.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant influence", ensure that the context clearly identifies what is being influenced and the nature of that influence. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant influence" without specifying who or what is being influenced. Vague statements weaken your argument. Instead of saying "Technology has a significant influence", specify "Technology has a significant influence on modern communication methods".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant influence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes a considerable impact or effect on something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a significant influence" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that has a considerable effect, impact, or role. As Ludwig AI points out, it's crucial to clearly identify what is being influenced to avoid vagueness. Its frequent appearance in news media and scientific publications shows its broad applicability, while alternatives like "a major impact" or "a substantial impact" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Overall, understanding the contexts in which this phrase is best used and avoiding vague attributions will enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major impact

Replaces "influence" with "impact", emphasizing the forceful effect.

a considerable effect

Substitutes "influence" with "effect" and "significant" with "considerable", suggesting a noticeable result.

a marked impact

Uses "marked" instead of "significant", indicating a clearly noticeable effect.

a substantial impact

Replaces "significant" with "substantial", highlighting a considerable and important effect.

a powerful effect

Emphasizes the strength of the effect, replacing "significant" with "powerful".

a strong effect

Similar to 'a powerful effect', focusing on the intensity of the influence.

a key factor

Shifts the focus to the importance of something as a determining element, rather than its influence.

a crucial role

Highlights the essential function something plays, diverging slightly from direct influence.

a primary driver

Indicates something is a leading cause or impetus, rather than merely an influence.

a notable force

Replaces influence with force, pointing to the magnitude that generates effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant influence" to describe something that has a notable impact on someone or something else. For example, "Her mentor had a significant influence on her career path."

What are some alternatives to "a significant influence"?

Alternatives include "a major impact", "a considerable effect", or "a substantial impact" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "a significant influence" and "a significant impact"?

While both phrases are similar, "a significant influence" suggests a more subtle and gradual effect, while "a significant impact" implies a more immediate and forceful effect.

Is it more appropriate to use "significant influence on" or "significant influence in"?

The preposition "on" is generally more appropriate when referring to the target of the influence. For example, "The environment has a significant influence on child development" is preferred over "in".