an active force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an active force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a dynamic or influential role in a particular context, such as in physics, social movements, or personal motivation. Example: "In the realm of social change, grassroots organizations often serve as an active force in advocating for policy reform."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Held in "high regard" by the membership, Lefkowitz was also "an active force in Dayton's civic and interfaith activities" and an "ambassador of the Jewish Community to the Dayton area".

Wikipedia

It remains an active force in politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Let the board do its job, but let him be an active force on the board.

The New York Times

The PLA is still the largest army in the world, with an active force of 2.3m.

The Economist

Dedicated to enriching education in Israel, she was an active force in promoting new ideas and establishing major centers at the College since its inception.

The New York Times

A move that, blogger Stavvers noted, neatly reduced her from "an active force to a passive pawn in Moriarty and Holmes's ongoing cock-duelling".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The current, low-cost intervention altered the choice architecture of the cafeteria by introducing an active, forced choice into the school lunch service.

Johns Hopkins University

Overall, our findings highlight the fact that the actin cytoskeleton is an active, force-generating, contributor to spindle positioning.

Developmental Cell

The Rwandans argue - with some justification - that the interahamwe's presence as an active fighting force legitimises Rwanda's occupation of Congolese territory.

The Guardian

Given that Mother Nature was an active, alive force long before we occupied this planet, I suspect that She is far more of a cosmic system of intelligence, transcendent of emotions such as anger or vengeance.

Huffington Post

It is not a contest between equal and opposite forces, but a kind of resultant force produced by a stronger active force and a weaker passive force.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an active force", ensure that the context clearly defines what or whom is being influenced. For example, specify whether it is influencing a decision, a movement, or a physical process.

Common error

Avoid using "an active force" in vague contexts where the specific impact or effect is not clear. Instead, provide concrete details about the actions or changes being driven.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an active force" primarily functions as a noun phrase that describes something or someone exerting influence or causing change. Examples from Ludwig show its application in various contexts, consistently highlighting its role as an agent of action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an active force" is a versatile and frequently used expression that denotes a significant influence or agent of change. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and appropriate across numerous contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. It effectively conveys the dynamic role of an entity or factor. While alternatives like "a driving influence" or "a key player" exist, "an active force" maintains a neutral tone suitable for formal and informal communication, as seen in various examples. To maximize clarity, always specify the area in which the "active force" exerts its influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a driving influence

Emphasizes the capacity to propel or direct something forward.

a significant factor

Highlights the importance and impact of the element in a specific situation.

a powerful agent

Stresses the capacity to effect change or produce results.

a key player

Focuses on the entity's role as a central participant in an activity.

a major influence

Underscores the degree to which something affects or shapes outcomes.

a potent factor

Suggests a strong and effective element contributing to a result.

a dynamic presence

Highlights the energetic and influential nature of the element.

a catalyst for change

Indicates the ability to initiate or accelerate transformation.

a central figure

Emphasizes the role as a focal point or leader.

a prime mover

Highlights the role as the initial and primary source of action.

FAQs

How can I use "an active force" in a sentence?

Use "an active force" to describe something or someone that plays a significant role in causing change or influencing events. For instance, "Community organizers were "a driving force" behind the new environmental regulations".

What are some alternatives to "an active force"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like ""a driving force"", "a key player", or "a major influence" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it more appropriate to use "active force" or "an active force"?

"An active force" is grammatically correct because "active" begins with a vowel sound. Omitting the "an" would be grammatically incorrect.

In what contexts is "an active force" most commonly used?

"An active force" is used across a wide range of contexts, including science, news and media, and encyclopedic entries, often to describe agents of change or influential factors. In science, it could describe a physical phenomenon. In news, it might refer to a political movement.