be a major influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a major influence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the impact or effect that someone or something has on a person, situation, or outcome. Example: "Her mentorship was able to be a major influence on my career development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Mentoring doesn't seem to be a major influence in career decisions for the majority of trainees, Layton says, so there could be an opportunity for it to play a greater role.

Science Magazine

The genre began to fade in the late 1970s, as a mellower form of fusion began to take its audience, but acts like Steely Dan, Frank Zappa and Joni Mitchell recorded significant jazz-influenced albums in this period, and it has continued to be a major influence on rock music.

Wikipedia

Turnout, as always, will be a major influence on the result.

The Guardian

Some hope the movement could be a major influence in bridging ethnic gaps.

The Guardian

The discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 ensured that ancient Egypt would be a major influence.

The New York Times - Arts

Tribes continued to be a major influence for Libyans, who voted along tribal lines in Colonel Qaddafi's people's congresses.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

He says Keith Haring is a major influence.

The New Yorker

The magazine had been a major influence on Updike.

The Guardian - Books

Lauryn Hill has definitely been a major influence for me.

The Guardian - Music

Jerry was a major influence in my life.

The New York Times

His mum, as he said, was a major influence.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be a major influence", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being influenced and the scope or extent of that influence.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of something by claiming it "be a major influence" when evidence suggests only a minor or moderate effect. Ensure claims are supported by verifiable data or observable results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a major influence" functions as a predicate nominative or predicate adjective within a sentence, describing a subject's role or quality. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe the impact of mentoring, music genres, and historical events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be a major influence" is a versatile expression used to convey the significance of an impact or effect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Its prevalence in news, science, and encyclopedic sources, combined with its clear and direct meaning, makes it a valuable addition to any writer's toolbox. When using "be a major influence", ensure that the nature and scope of the influence are well-defined for maximum clarity. Alternatives such as "have a significant impact" or "play a pivotal role" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert a strong influence

Focuses on the action of applying influence, rather than the state of being an influence.

have a considerable impact

Replaces "influence" with "impact", emphasizing the effect created.

play a pivotal role

Highlights the importance of the role played, emphasizing significance.

have a significant effect

Similar to "have a considerable impact", this replaces "influence" with "effect".

shape significantly

Emphasizes the act of shaping something, indicating a strong influence on its form or development.

impact greatly

Uses "impact" as a verb, highlighting the action of influencing.

leave a lasting impression

Focuses on the enduring nature of the influence.

mold significantly

Similar to "shape significantly", but with a connotation of directly molding something.

be a key factor

Emphasizes the importance of being a crucial element.

drive significantly

Conveys the sense of powerfully directing or pushing forward.

FAQs

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

Use "be a major influence" to describe something or someone that has a significant impact on a particular outcome or development. For example, "Mentoring can "be a major influence" on a trainee's career decisions."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "have a significant impact", "play a pivotal role", or "exert a strong influence", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "be a major influence" or "have a major impact"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Be a major influence" emphasizes the ability to affect something, while "have a major impact" emphasizes the result of that influence.

What does it mean when something "be a major influence"?

When something "be a major influence", it means that it has a considerable effect on the development, behavior, or thinking of someone or something. It suggests a strong and noticeable impact.