a uniting figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a uniting figure" is not correct in standard written English; it should be "a unifying figure." You can use it when referring to a person or entity that brings people together or fosters unity among a group.
Example: "In times of division, she emerged as a unifying figure, bridging gaps between communities."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

As a uniting figure commanding respect across the board, Gen. Petraeus provides Mr. Obama with the credibility he lacks.

The New York Times

This, perhaps, reflected the effectiveness of the diplomat's barbs aimed at casting the former Muslim Brother as two-faced: are you a uniting figure, he asked rhetorically, or do you say one thing to your Salafist friends and another to liberals?Where to start?Whoever captures Egypt's presidency will face a daunting task.

The Economist

Moreover, his effectiveness as a uniting figure for India is called into question by his inaction in Gujarat in 2002, when he did nothing to stop thousands of Muslims from being massacred or made homeless by..

Los Angeles Times

First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Jiří Schneider said Mr Havel was a "uniting figure".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

One healthcare professional claimed Stevens was a "positive uniting figure but [was] blundering on personal budgets and specialised commissioning, and seeing co-commissioning as a silver bullet".

The Guardian

The report raises questions over the Labour leader's response last summer when Murphy and Stevie Deans, a leading Unite figure and the then Falkirk constituency party chairman, were suspended from the party and police were invited to launch a criminal inquiry.

The Guardian

Politicians are polarizing figures, they're not uniting figures.

The New York Times

With Ferguson still a United director and a figure of such significance, Rooney's reaction to these repeated claims will be watched with interest - but the former manager was never going to hold back.

BBC

"We gave him jersey after jersey for the dinners he was having and of course a Manchester United strip figures greatly in these auctions, a signed strip from all the players".

The Guardian - Sport

Although Vang Pao's supporters portrayed him as a father figure uniting all his people, the Hmong (an ethnic minority in Laos), on the side of the US against the communist world, his critics regarded him as a charismatic but ruthless opium warlord, who made arrogant and misleading claims to speak on behalf of all Hmong.

The Guardian

The meeting was called to figure out a united response to the spiraling violence between Israeli troops and Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, violence that prominent figures on both sides believe has effectively derailed the peace process as it has existed over the last seven years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "a uniting figure" is used, consider replacing it with "a unifying figure" for improved grammatical correctness. This substitution maintains the intended meaning while adhering to standard English usage.

Common error

Avoid using "uniting" as an adjective before "figure". The adjective "unifying" is generally preferred and considered more grammatically sound in this context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as a noun phrase, identifying someone who brings people or groups together. Although Ludwig AI suggests the use of "unifying figure" is grammatically preferable, examples show that "a uniting figure" is also used.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a uniting figure" refers to someone who brings people together. While used in reputable sources like the New York Times and The Guardian, Ludwig AI indicates that "a unifying figure" is grammatically more conventional. The phrase appears primarily in news and media contexts to describe leaders and influential individuals. For formal writing, "a unifying figure" is the recommended choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unifying leader

Replaces 'figure' with 'leader', emphasizing the role of guidance and direction.

a figure of unity

Shifts the emphasis to the concept of unity itself, rather than the act of uniting.

a consensus builder

Focuses on the process of achieving agreement among different parties.

a bridge builder

Emphasizes the act of connecting disparate groups or ideas.

an integrator

Highlights the ability to combine different elements into a cohesive whole.

a rallying point

Describes someone who inspires others to come together for a common cause.

a centralizing force

Focuses on the power to bring things into a single, dominant structure.

a binding influence

Highlights the capacity to create strong connections between individuals or groups.

a cohesive presence

Emphasizes the sense of togetherness that the person creates.

a harmonizing agent

Focuses on the ability to bring disparate elements into harmony.

FAQs

What's the difference between "a uniting figure" and "a unifying figure"?

"A uniting figure" is less grammatically conventional than "a unifying figure". The adjective "unifying" is more widely accepted and considered standard English.

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

You might say, "The leader emerged as a unifying figure during the crisis, bringing together people from different backgrounds".

What are some alternatives to "a uniting figure"?

Alternatives include "a unifying leader", "a consensus builder", or "a bridge builder", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "a uniting figure" grammatically correct?

While the phrase is used, it's generally considered less grammatically correct than "a unifying figure". Using "unifying" is recommended for formal writing.