dominant influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dominant influence" is grammatically correct and can certainly be used in written English. It means the most powerful or influential force in a particular situation or relationship. Example: Her dominant influence within the company led to significant changes in the company's culture. In this sentence, "dominant influence" refers to the individual's strong and influential presence within the company that caused major transformations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mikhail Bakhtin was another dominant influence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hanoi remains the dominant influence in Cambodia.

The New Yorker

Lord Byron was a dominant influence on the young Tennyson.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For the American composer Nico Muhly (b1981) English choral music is a dominant influence.

The Guardian - Music

It is a dominant influence in our lives, and it shapes global capitalism.

The Guardian

But he was a proud and impatient man; a very dominant influence".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Of the film's three authors, Richard Curtis seems the dominant influence.

The Guardian - Film

Andy Warhol was already the dominant influence of those times… Yes.

The Guardian

"Qualitatively, tight credit supply is likely to have been the dominant influence.

The Guardian - Business

The neighborhood is always the dominant influence in a Bawa building.

The New York Times

Mullen admitted yesterday that the Taliban had secured a "dominant influence" in 11 provinces.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dominant influence", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being influenced and by what. This helps to avoid ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "dominant influence" when the impact is merely significant but not truly controlling or overriding. Consider alternative phrases like "significant impact" or "major role" if the influence is less absolute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dominant influence" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject complement or object in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it signifies the primary or controlling effect that something has on something else. It is often used to identify the most powerful factor in a given situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dominant influence" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the primary or controlling effect exerted by something. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalence across various domains, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic content. While versatile, it is important to use it judiciously, ensuring it accurately reflects the magnitude of the influence being described and avoiding overstatement. Related phrases, such as "major impact" or "leading factor", can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major impact

Highlights the significant impact, emphasizing the scale of the effect.

chief force

Indicates the main driving power behind something, focusing on strength.

major determinant

Focuses on its decisive role in determining an outcome.

primary effect

Focuses on the effect rather than the influence, suggesting a direct consequence.

central force

Highlights its role as the core power that drives a system.

paramount effect

Uses "paramount" to stress the supreme importance of influence.

leading factor

Emphasizes the role of being a key element, especially in a decision or outcome.

strong sway

Emphasizes the power to persuade or control.

principal element

Stresses its fundamental role as a core component.

overriding consideration

Highlights that this element takes precedence above others.

FAQs

How can I use "dominant influence" in a sentence?

You can use "dominant influence" to describe a person, thing, or idea that has the most power or control over something else. For example, "The economy is the "dominant influence" in forcing employers' hands."

What are some alternatives to "dominant influence"?

Alternatives include phrases like "major impact", "leading factor", or "chief force", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "dominant influence" or "significant influence"?

"Dominant influence" implies a greater degree of control or impact than "significant influence". Use "dominant" when something has the most powerful effect; use "significant" when the effect is important but not necessarily the strongest.

Can "dominant influence" be used in both positive and negative contexts?

Yes, "dominant influence" can be used in both positive and negative contexts. It simply indicates the strongest influencing factor, regardless of whether the outcome is beneficial or detrimental. For example, "His mother was the "dominant influence" on his life" (positive), versus "The Taliban had secured a ""dominant influence"" in 11 provinces" (negative).