a true visionary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a true visionary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has the ability to think creatively and anticipate potential outcomes in a variety of situations. For example, "Madonna is a true visionary who has been pushing the boundaries of fashion for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He was a true visionary.

The New York Times

"He's a true visionary".

The New York Times - Style

You were a true visionary and genius.

The New York Times

He wasn't perfect, but he was a true visionary.

The New York Times - Sports

A true visionary, too deeply missed for words.

The New York Times

She was a true visionary in the field of aging.

The New York Times

He is a true visionary and, by all accounts, a very decent man.

The Economist

He was the risk-taker, a true visionary, but obviously there were excesses".

The New York Times

As a leader in our industry and of Jefferies, Bob was a true visionary.

The New York Times

He described the filmmaker, who was married to ABC anchor Diane Sawyer, as a "true visionary".

Independent

A case of history repeating itself and testament to the enduring legacy of a true visionary.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a true visionary", consider backing up the claim with specific examples of their foresight and achievements.

Common error

Avoid labeling someone as "a true visionary" without providing concrete examples of their innovative thinking or long-term impact. The phrase loses its impact if used casually.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a true visionary" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically a person's name or title. It serves to attribute the quality of exceptional foresight, creativity, and leadership to the individual being described. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a true visionary" is a descriptive phrase used to commend someone for their innovative ideas and foresight. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media. While appropriate for formal contexts, avoid overuse without concrete examples to support the claim. Consider using alternatives like "innovative leader" or "forward-thinking individual" to add variety to your writing. The phrase serves to convey admiration and respect for those who can anticipate and shape the future.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a forward-thinking individual

Emphasizes the forward-thinking nature of a visionary.

an individual with a grand vision

Simplifies the phrase while retaining the core meaning.

a genuinely insightful individual

Replaces 'true visionary' with a more descriptive phrase highlighting insightfulness.

a person with exceptional foresight

Focuses on the 'foresight' aspect of being a visionary.

an innovative leader

Highlights the innovative and leadership qualities associated with visionaries.

a gifted futurist

Uses a more technical term to describe someone who anticipates future trends.

a pioneer in their field

Highlights the pioneering aspect of a visionary's work.

a creative mastermind

Focuses on the creative genius aspect.

a person of great imagination

Focuses on the imaginative aspect of a visionary.

a beacon of innovation

Uses a metaphor to describe the visionary's role.

FAQs

How can I use "a true visionary" in a sentence?

You can use "a true visionary" to describe someone who has innovative ideas and anticipates future trends. For example, "Steve Jobs was "a true visionary" in the tech industry."

What are some alternatives to "a true visionary"?

Alternatives include "an innovative leader", "a forward-thinking individual", or "a person with exceptional foresight", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "a true visionary" in formal writing?

Yes, "a true visionary" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when recognizing someone's significant contributions and innovative thinking. However, ensure that the context supports the claim.

What distinguishes "a true visionary" from someone who is merely creative?

While creativity involves generating new ideas, "a true visionary" combines creativity with foresight, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate ideas into impactful realities. A visionary's ideas often anticipate future needs and trends.