figure prominently

USAGE SUMMARY

"figure prominently" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to be prominently or noticeably featured or present in a situation or context. It is often used to describe something that stands out or plays a significant role in a particular situation. Example: In her speech, the issue of climate change figures prominently as she outlines the steps her administration will take to combat its effects.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Games, unsurprisingly, figure prominently.

The New York Times - Tech

Celebrities also figure prominently.

The New York Times

The ocean will figure prominently.

The New York Times

Guns and drugs figure prominently.

The New Yorker

ABCs and counting figure prominently.

The Guardian - Tech

It's true that fathers figure prominently.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Eggs, fertility symbols, figured prominently.

The New York Times - Arts

Phoenix's Steve Nash figured prominently.

The New York Times - Sports

Money also figures prominently.

The New York Times - Arts

Booze figures prominently.

The Guardian

Certainly ROI figures prominently.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "figure prominently" to emphasize the significance or visibility of a particular element within a larger context. For example, "Data analysis figures prominently in scientific research."

Common error

Avoid using "figure prominently" in overly simple sentences where a more direct verb would suffice. Instead of saying "The color red figures prominently in the painting", consider "The color red dominates the painting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "figure prominently" functions as a verb phrase that emphasizes the significance or high visibility of a subject within a given context. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase means to be noticeably featured or present in a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

24%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "figure prominently" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies the importance or high visibility of a subject within a context. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal, neutral, and even some professional settings. It appears most often in news articles and scientific publications, and its usage is straightforward: to draw attention to something significant. When using this phrase, make sure it genuinely adds emphasis rather than simply stating the obvious. Consider alternative phrases like "feature prominently" or ""play a key role"" for subtle differences in meaning. Remember to avoid overuse in simple sentences, where a more direct verb might be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feature prominently

Replaces "figure" with "feature", emphasizing the act of being highlighted or showcased.

play a key role

Highlights the importance of the subject in influencing an outcome.

be central to

Indicates that the subject is essential or crucial to the topic at hand.

be a major part of

Emphasizes the substantial contribution or inclusion of the subject.

loom large

Suggests that the subject is significantly impactful or imposing.

stand out

Focuses on the subject's visibility and distinction from others.

hold importance

Emphasizes the value or significance of the subject.

carry weight

Indicates that the subject has influence or significance.

be conspicuous

Highlights the noticeable or obvious presence of the subject.

attract attention

Focuses on the subject's ability to draw focus or interest.

FAQs

How can I use "figure prominently" in a sentence?

Use "figure prominently" to indicate that something is particularly noticeable or important. For example, "Ethical considerations "play a key role" in the company's decision-making process."

What can I say instead of "figure prominently"?

You can use alternatives such as "feature prominently", ""play a key role"", or "be central to" depending on the context.

Is it formal to use "figure prominently"?

"Figure prominently" is suitable for formal and neutral writing contexts. It is often found in academic papers, news articles, and business reports, making it a versatile choice for conveying importance or visibility.

What's the difference between "feature prominently" and "figure prominently"?

While both phrases are similar, "feature prominently" suggests that something is deliberately highlighted or showcased, whereas "figure prominently" simply indicates that something is noticeable or important due to its inherent nature or circumstances.