as a major influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a major influence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone that has a significant impact on a situation, decision, or development. Example: "Her research served as a major influence on the new policies implemented by the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She cites Coco Chanel as a major influence.

The New Yorker

He counts Bob Marley as a major influence.

The New York Times

There isn't a single designer in high fashion who wouldn't name him as a major influence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Love credited Redding as a major influence on the Stax horn sound.

The Guardian - Music

But interestingly they don't pick the English rock band as a major influence.

The Guardian

Producers have cited Frank Miller's iconic The Dark Knight Returns graphic novel as a major influence.

The Guardian - Film

He cites surrealists such as René Magritte as a major influence.

The Guardian - Arts

There's a reason so many authors name Tolkien as a major influence.

The Guardian - Books

Citing the Marx brothers as a major influence, he maintains a stream of poker- faced puns.

The Guardian - Books

Practitioners of this style include William Forsythe, cited by Mr. Bigonzetti as a major influence on his work.

The New York Times

Martin Scorsese has cited Anger's 1963 film Scorpio Rising, a hepcat 29-minutes about masochistic bikers, as a major influence.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a major influence", ensure that the subject being influenced is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "X was as a major influence", specify "X was as a major influence on Y".

Common error

Avoid using "as a major influence" without providing concrete examples or evidence to support the claim. Overstating the degree of influence can weaken your argument and credibility. Always substantiate claims of significant impact with specific details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a major influence" functions as a modifier, specifically a predicate nominative or a predicate adjective, depending on the sentence structure. It identifies or describes the role or quality of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a major influence" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to attribute significant impact or effect. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. It appears frequently in news, media, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being influenced and providing supporting evidence. Consider alternatives like "significant influence" or "key factor" for nuanced meanings. Its usage spans various contexts, with a slightly more prevalent presence in news and media. By adhering to best practices, writers can effectively use "as a major influence" to convey meaningful connections and impacts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant influence

Replaces "major" with "significant", indicating a notable impact.

a leading influence

Similar to "major", but emphasizes the concept of guidance or leadership.

a key factor

Shifts the focus to a contributing element rather than a direct influence.

a primary inspiration

Highlights the role as a source of creativity or motivation.

a formative influence

Implies a role in shaping or developing something.

a driving force

Emphasizes the impetus or motivation behind something.

a profound impact

Focuses on the depth and extent of the effect.

a powerful effect

Emphasizes the strength and intensity of the impact.

a substantial role

Focuses on the importance and magnitude of the contribution.

a notable contribution

Highlights the act of giving or adding to something significant.

FAQs

How can I use "as a major influence" in a sentence?

Use "as a major influence" to describe something that has significantly shaped or impacted another thing. For example: "The Beatles were identified "as a major influence" on numerous bands".

What are some alternatives to "as a major influence"?

Alternatives include "a significant influence", "a key factor", or "a driving force" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it better to say "major influence" or "significant influence"?

Both "major influence" and "significant influence" are correct and largely interchangeable. "Major" emphasizes scale or importance, while "significant" highlights the noteworthiness or impact. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can a person be described "as a major influence"?

Yes, a person can certainly be described "as a major influence" if they have significantly impacted the thoughts, actions, or development of others. For instance, "My mentor acted "as a major influence" in my career path".