important figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "important figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who has significant influence or prominence in a particular field or context. Example: "Albert Einstein is considered an important figure in the field of physics due to his groundbreaking theories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

He is an important figure, but he doesn't wear his importance lightly," said one barrister.

The Guardian

But the most important figure is 19.

The Guardian

But he is an important figure to the Front National.

The Guardian

He is an important figure within the organization".

The Guardian

Rhys Priestland was another important figure for Wales on Saturday.

The Guardian - Sport

Any of this would make Dr. Xu an important figure.

The New Yorker

And my father was an important figure in that.

The Guardian - Film

"He's just a crucially important figure in modern history.

The Guardian

Also, he was an important figure within the Party.

Independent

"He is a very important figure in the 1960s cinema".

The New York Times

He remained an important figure in France's small Protestant community.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "important figure" when you want to emphasize someone's significance in a particular context, whether historical, political, or cultural. It's a versatile phrase suitable for both formal and informal writing.

Common error

While "important figure" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in very casual conversations. Simpler terms like "key person" or "someone influential" might be more appropriate in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "important figure" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a person of considerable significance in a particular context. Ludwig AI examples show usage across various domains, affirming its role in denoting individuals of note.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

11%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "important figure" is a widely used and grammatically correct noun phrase that denotes a person of significance or influence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across diverse contexts, from news and media to academic discussions. While its register is generally neutral, it's advisable to consider simpler alternatives for very casual conversations. The phrase's strength lies in its ability to convey the weight and impact of an individual within a given domain. When aiming to highlight someone's prominence or lasting legacy, "important figure" remains a reliable and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Significant individual

Emphasizes the individual's noteworthiness and impact.

Key person

Highlights the person's role as being essential or crucial.

Prominent personality

Focuses on the person's public recognition and fame.

Notable figure

Stresses the person's worthiness of being noticed or remembered.

Influential leader

Highlights the person's capacity to affect others' opinions or actions.

Leading light

Suggests the person is a source of inspiration or guidance.

Central character

Emphasizes the person's pivotal role in a narrative or situation.

Major player

Indicates the person's significant involvement and impact in a field.

Esteemed person

Highlights the respect and admiration the person receives.

Person of consequence

Underscores the person's importance and impact on events.

FAQs

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

You can use "important figure" to describe someone with significant influence or prominence. For example, "Nelson Mandela is an important figure in the fight against apartheid".

What are some alternatives to saying "important figure"?

You can use alternatives like "significant individual", "key person", or "prominent personality" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "important figure" or "major figure"?

Both "important figure" and "major figure" are acceptable, but "important figure" has a broader application, while "major figure" often implies someone with significant power or influence in a specific field.

What's the difference between an "important figure" and an "influential person"?

While both terms denote someone of consequence, an "important figure" is recognized for their overall significance, whereas an "influential person" is specifically recognized for their ability to affect others' opinions or actions.