influential figure

USAGE SUMMARY

"influential figure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has a significant effect or influence on a particular field or area of activity. For example: "Veronica is an influential figure in the business world, often cited for her groundbreaking achievements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Who has been the most influential figure?

The Guardian

Stein remains a tremendously useful and influential figure for playwrights.

The Guardian

But he was never regarded as an influential figure.

The New York Times

Tory sources denied that Taleb was a highly influential figure.

The Guardian

An influential figure actively (and publicly) condemning mental health stigma; that can't hurt.

The Guardian

As behavioral economics became more popular, Thaler also turned into an influential figure in policy circles.

The New Yorker

Rhodes is arguably the single most influential figure in the story of South Africa's creation.

The New York Times - Books

Tellingly, the most influential figure for Orlando thus far is not Dwight Howard but Hedo Turkoglu.

The Guardian - Sport

The chairman of the ECB is the most influential figure here.

The Guardian - Sport

Malcolm X isn't the only influential figure to have experimented with the spice, either.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The woman accused of cutting her, Elsie Kondoromoh, is an influential figure in Sierra Leone.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific field or area in which the figure is influential. This adds clarity and avoids vagueness.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling someone as an "influential figure" without providing concrete examples of their impact or achievements. Back up your claim with specific instances of their influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "influential figure" functions as a noun phrase, where "influential" is an adjective modifying the noun "figure". It's used to describe a person who has a considerable effect or impact on something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "influential figure" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone with significant impact, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Analysis of the usage contexts reveals its prevalence in News & Media and Encyclopedias, reflecting a neutral register suitable for diverse communications. When employing this phrase, providing concrete examples of the individual's influence is crucial. Alternatives like "leading personality" or "significant individual" offer nuanced options, while common errors involve overstating influence without sufficient evidence. This makes crafting clear and substantiated descriptions essential when using the term "influential figure".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leading personality

Focuses on prominence and guidance.

significant individual

Highlights importance and distinctiveness.

prominent person

Emphasizes widespread recognition and importance.

powerful leader

Implies authority and control.

key player

Highlights crucial role and involvement.

major force

Stresses impact and influence.

driving force

Implies motivation and initiation of change.

central figure

Highlights the role as a nucleus point of actions.

important influencer

Underscores the act of influencing.

notable figure

Emphasizes visibility and recognisability.

FAQs

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

You can use "influential figure" to describe someone who has a significant impact on a particular field or group of people. For example: "She is an "influential figure" in the world of environmental activism."

What are some alternatives to "influential figure"?

Some alternatives include "leading personality", "significant individual", or "prominent person", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "influential person" or "influential figure"?

Both "influential person" and "influential figure" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on stylistic preference and the specific context, with ""influential figure"" often sounding slightly more formal.

What makes someone an "influential figure"?

An ""influential figure"" is someone whose actions, ideas, or opinions have a significant impact on others or a particular field. This influence can stem from various factors, such as expertise, authority, or widespread recognition.