a tycoon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tycoon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a wealthy and powerful businessperson, often in the context of industries like finance, real estate, or entertainment. Example: "The conference was attended by several influential figures, including a tycoon known for his investments in technology startups."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What's a tycoon?

The Guardian

She is by any measure a tycoon.

The Economist

"We're waiting for NaMo," says a tycoon.

The Economist

"It was space for a tycoon.

The New York Times

Nor was he a tycoon, as he was sometimes portrayed.

The Economist

He is considered a deal-maker rather than a tycoon.

The New York Times - Sports

Hell hath no fury like a tycoon dispossessed.

The Economist

"I've known many a tycoon in my life," Weidenfeld said.

The New Yorker

[Makhlouf, a tycoon, is President Bashar al-Assad's first cousin].

The Guardian

"These are nothing but authoritarian scare tactics," counters a tycoon based in Istanbul.

The Economist

The second was a tycoon, by whom she had the two sons.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

The term is highly effective in journalistic writing to provide a concise description of a complex figure without needing a lengthy list of their assets.

Common error

Avoid using "a tycoon" to describe someone who is simply wealthy or successful in a small business. The word implies a level of dominance and scale that impacts national or international markets. For less influential figures, use "a successful entrepreneur" or "a wealthy individual" instead.

How to use

Learn how to use "a tycoon" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

In English grammar, "a tycoon" serves as a count noun phrase consisting of an indefinite article and a common noun. It typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence, or as an appositive to identify a specific person. Ludwig AI confirms that it is used to denote an individual with exceptional wealth and power in a specific industry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Social Media

2%

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a tycoon" is a versatile and highly descriptive noun phrase used to identify individuals of significant wealth and industry-wide influence. According to Ludwig AI, the term is correctly used across a variety of professional and journalistic contexts, appearing nearly 60 times in high-authority sources like The Economist and The New York Times. Whether describing a 'property tycoon' or a 'media tycoon', the term effectively conveys a sense of dominance and strategic power that goes beyond mere financial success. While it is grammatically simple, its precise application helps writers characterize powerful figures with clarity and authority. For more neutral or academic settings, alternatives like "a business leader" may be appropriate, but "a tycoon" remains the definitive choice for highlighting influential entrepreneurs in the global market.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a magnate

Implies a person of great influence in a specific sector like shipping or steel

a mogul

Often used in the context of media, film or fashion industries

a titan

Emphasizes the sheer size and dominance of their business presence

a captain of industry

A more traditional or historical term for powerful entrepreneurs

a business leader

More professional and less focused on individual wealth

a corporate giant

Focuses on the person's role within a massive company structure

a billionaire

Focuses strictly on net worth rather than industry influence

a commercial kingpin

A more informal or colorful way to describe a dominant market figure

an oligarch

Carries a political connotation, typically referring to wealth gained through state ties

a financier

Specific to individuals whose power comes from investment and banking

FAQs

What is the difference between a tycoon and a magnate?

While often used interchangeably, "a tycoon" (derived from the Japanese 'taikun') often implies a self-made status or a newer industry, whereas "a magnate" traditionally refers to someone in heavy industry like steel or oil.

Can I use 'a tycoon' in formal business writing?

Yes, it is common in professional journalism. However, if you want to sound more clinical or neutral, you might prefer "a business leader" or "an industrialist".

Is 'a tycoon' always a positive term?

It is generally neutral but can lean toward the descriptive. To imply a more critical view of power, some writers choose "an oligarch" or "a baron".

Where does the word 'tycoon' come from?

It originates from the Japanese word 'taikun', meaning 'great lord'. It was adopted into English in the 19th century and has since become a staple in business reporting.