be a significant influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a significant 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 during my early career years helped me to be a significant influence in my field."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The wind regime was found to be a significant influence on the spatial distribution of landslide events.

Geomorphology

Preferential flow through solutionally enlarged fractures can be a significant influence on travel times and source area definition in carbonate aquifers.

Journal of Hydrology

Some communities are found to exhibit a greater variability in catchment/flow properties within themselves when compared to that of the whole network, thus indicating that such characteristics are unlikely to be a significant influence on community grouping.

Journal of Hydrology

South Korean analysts consider Mr. Jang to be a significant influence in Kim Jong-un's recent efforts to tame his military and carry out his economic revitalization program, which, according to South Korean news media, includes allowing farmers to own part of their annual yield as an incentive.

The New York Times

He was to be a significant influence on Feyerabend, weaning him away from Popper with his somewhat Hegelian account of the structure of reality.

SEP

Hence, the prospect of future compensation from retaining their positions is likely to be a significant influence on a majority of the board, quite possibly more significant than the lure of raising the value of their current holdings.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Islam was a significant influence entering Cameroon from the north.

Britannica

Her idiosyncratic way of expressing herself, in a "portmanteau language", was a significant influence on Joyce's experimental prose.

The Guardian

Both Terry Gilliam, of Monty Python fame, and Nick Park, creater of Wallace and Gromit, have said he was a significant influence.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The findings, researchers said, suggest that culture is a significant influence on children's concepts of choice regarding social norms.

Cornell University

He was a significant influence on the development of rock music.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be a significant influence", consider whether "significant" is the most accurate descriptor. Alternatives like "crucial", "profound", or "lasting" may better convey the intended impact.

Common error

Avoid using "be a significant influence" when the impact is minimal or unsubstantiated. Ensure there's concrete evidence or logical reasoning to support the claim of significant influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a significant influence" functions as a predicate describing the degree of impact or effect that something or someone has. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be a significant influence" is a versatile phrase used to express a notable impact across diverse fields. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in written English. While frequently found in scientific and news contexts, remember to ensure the influence is genuinely significant and consider stronger alternatives like "have a profound effect on" for greater emphasis. By understanding its nuances and contexts, you can effectively convey the degree of impact you intend. Be careful not to overstate the influence, and ensure your claims are backed by evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a considerable impact

Uses "impact" instead of "influence", suggesting a more measurable or direct effect.

exert a major effect

Emphasizes the exertion of influence, implying active agency in causing a change.

play a crucial role

Focuses on the importance of the role played, rather than the magnitude of the influence.

leave a lasting impression

Highlights the long-term nature of the influence, focusing on the memory created.

shape significantly

Implies a direct shaping or molding effect, suggesting a more formative influence.

affect greatly

A more direct and simple way of expressing substantial influence.

have a profound effect on

Suggests a deep and far-reaching influence.

hold sway over

Implies a controlling or dominant influence.

prove influential

Highlights the characteristic of being influential, without specifying the degree.

impact meaningfully

Similar to "have an impact", but emphasizing the positive and important nature of the effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "be a significant influence" to describe something or someone that has a notable impact. For instance, "Mentorship can "be a significant influence" on a student's career path."

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "have a considerable impact", "play a crucial role", or "affect greatly" as alternatives to "be a significant influence".

Is it more appropriate to say "be a significant influence" or "have a significant influence"?

Both "be a significant influence" and "have a significant influence" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice depends on the sentence structure and desired emphasis. For example, "Their work continues to "be a significant influence"" versus "Their work continues to "have a significant influence"."

Can "be a significant influence" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "be a significant influence" is suitable for formal writing, as it is a clear and professional way to describe a substantial impact. However, ensure that the context warrants the use of "significant" and consider alternatives if a different nuance is needed.