a vast influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or extensive impact that something or someone has on a particular subject or area. Example: "The author's work has had a vast influence on modern literature, shaping the way stories are told."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

That might be taken as a depressing valedictory for a politician who has squandered a vast influence.

The New York Times - Magazine

Throughout music's history, artists have always held a vast influence on the population's behavioural habits – from Beatles bobs to Beats by Dre headphones.

The Guardian

All the same, he became a magnetic figure for younger generations and exerted a vast influence on literature and other art forms.

The New Yorker

Although many of his studies are small and often financed by drug makers, Dr. Biederman has had a vast influence on the field largely because of his position at one of the most prestigious medical institutions.

The New York Times - Health

Meal for two £150 Fergus Henderson's Clerkenwell temple to nose-to-tail eating, St John, has had a vast influence across the restaurant world, and inspired some cracking spin-offs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was always going to be a dangerous combination: global reach, a vast influence on events across the world, and a command structure too often reducible to the strengths and weaknesses of one man.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Certainly, a man whose business model revolutionizes the global economy is a person of vast influence.

Princeton University

This time, the second part of a festival devoted to performing the canon of Anton Webern, a composer of vast influence on 20th-century music and yet one whose works are almost never heard.

The New York Times - Arts

It paints a portrait of a medical industry with vast influence over which procedures and treatments get adopted, and a public burdened by the rising costs of health care yet fearful of going against "doctor's orders". The book shows how the government's efforts to promote evidence-based medicine have become mired in partisan debates.

Princeton University

Because of its importance as a radical literature, and also its vast influence as a reactionary one, it seems well beyond time that the weird received far more serious attention as a major literary movement.

The Guardian - Books

Editors of yesteryear wielded vast influence; a book could go through many, many rewrites before it was deemed worthy of selling to the reading public.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When attributing "a vast influence", provide concrete examples or evidence to support the claim. Show, don't just tell, the extent of this influence.

Common error

Avoid using "a vast influence" when the actual impact is limited or localized. Ensure the scale of influence genuinely warrants such a strong descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast influence" functions as a noun phrase, where "vast" modifies the noun "influence". It describes the extent or degree of impact something has. As Ludwig confirms, the expression is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

17%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

18%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vast influence" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something with a significant and widespread impact. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Academia, Encyclopedias and Science, indicating its versatility and reliability. While not the most common phrase, it effectively conveys the scale of influence. When using "a vast influence", ensure that the extent of impact justifies this strong descriptor. Common alternatives include "a significant influence" or "a major effect".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large influence

Quantifies the influence as 'large' rather than 'vast', suggesting a slightly smaller degree of impact.

a significant influence

Replaces 'vast' with 'significant', indicating importance and notable impact.

a considerable influence

Uses 'considerable' to emphasize the substantial amount of influence.

a substantial influence

Similar to 'considerable', but highlights the solid and tangible nature of the influence.

a major influence

Indicates that the influence is of great importance and consequence.

a profound influence

Suggests a deep and far-reaching impact that affects fundamental aspects.

a powerful influence

Emphasizes the strength and potency of the influence.

a widespread influence

Highlights the extensive reach and pervasiveness of the influence.

an extensive influence

Similar to 'widespread', indicating broad coverage and impact.

a dominant influence

Suggests that the influence is controlling or prevailing over others.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vast influence" to describe someone or something that has a large impact on a particular field or situation. For example, "The internet has had "a vast influence" on communication."

What are some alternatives to "a vast influence"?

Alternatives include "a significant impact", "a major effect", or "a profound influence". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a vast influence" in formal writing?

Yes, "a vast influence" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe something with a substantial impact. It is also appropriate in less formal contexts.

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

"A vast influence" suggests a wider, more extensive impact than "a significant influence". While both describe importance, "vast" implies a broader reach and scale.