an influential individual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an influential individual" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person who has a significant impact or effect on others, often in a positive or powerful way. Example: "Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered as an influential individual who fought for civil rights and equality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Having a champion (i.e., a very influential individual within an organization who supports KM [ 23, 28, 85, 86] in combination with strong KM leadership [ 29, 76, 82] was frequently acknowledged as an important facilitator.

BMC Health Services Research

In their moment of life-changing triumph, though, both girls were adamant they would not be where they are today without a third, hugely influential, individual.

The Guardian - Sport

A sponsor is typically a senior leader or influential individual who identifies strong performers, guides them on their career path, and advocates on their behalf for leadership positions across the enterprise.

Huffington Post

First, a CEO replacement inherently means that the personal preferences and habits of the most influential individual within a firm change.

Harvard Business Review

Another mechanism through which change may occur is if an influential enough individual (a 'policy entrepreneur') who is either placed directly within the Ministry of Health or National HIV Control Program, and, according to one Ghanaian researcher, "who is well liked either within [the Ministry of Health] or outside [in the community]," makes a strong case for the change.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Or alternatively, what happens if these new influential individual investors, entrepreneurs and capitalists make a mistake or abuse their influence?

Huffington Post

The influential individual in question is not the leader of a Super Pac or even a congressional colleague: it is his brother Larry.

The Guardian

Use a variety of literary techniques to convey the mind frame of this influential individual.

The New York Times

In fact, in all southeastern Europe, Holbrooke was probably the most influential individual shaping American foreign policy.

The New Yorker

James Cameron is the most influential individual in UK film, according to the Guardian's inaugural Film Power 100 list.

The Guardian

At the height of his career, Cronkite was arguably the most famous and influential individual in the US.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "an influential individual", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the nature and scope of their influence. Providing specific examples of their impact strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "an influential individual" as a generic compliment. Always provide concrete examples or supporting evidence to justify the claim of influence, otherwise it sounds like empty praise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an influential individual" functions as a noun phrase, where "influential" is an adjective modifying the noun "individual". It is used to describe a person who has a notable impact or effect on others. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an influential individual" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across diverse contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to denote a person who wields considerable impact or authority. While the phrase itself is appropriate for formal settings, the key is to ensure that claims of influence are backed by evidence. Alternatives such as "a powerful person" or "a prominent figure" offer nuanced variations, depending on the specific nature of the influence being described. By providing context and avoiding unsubstantiated claims, writers can leverage this phrase to effectively convey the significance of key individuals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A person of influence

A more general term, similar to the original phrase but with a slightly different emphasis.

An impactful person

Emphasizes the effect the individual has on others or situations.

A powerful person

Focuses on the individual's inherent power or authority.

A key influencer

Modern term, particularly in marketing and social media contexts.

A prominent figure

Highlights the individual's visibility and recognition.

A mover and shaker

Emphasizes the individual's dynamism and influence within a community or organization.

An authority figure

Highlights the individual's recognized expertise and commanding presence.

A leading light

Implies guidance and inspiration provided by the individual.

A change agent

Highlights the individual's role in driving transformation.

A game changer

Suggests the individual's influence is revolutionary.

FAQs

How can I use "an influential individual" in a sentence?

You can use "an influential individual" to describe someone who has a significant impact on others or events. For instance, "The project benefited greatly from the guidance of "an influential individual" within the community."

What are some alternatives to "an influential individual"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a powerful person", "a prominent figure", or "a key influencer".

Is it better to say "influential person" or "influential individual"?

Both "influential person" and ""an influential individual"" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

What qualities make someone "an influential individual"?

An ""an influential individual"" typically possesses qualities such as strong communication skills, expertise in their field, a wide network, and the ability to inspire and motivate others.