influential person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "influential person" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has a significant impact or effect on others, often in a social, political, or cultural context. Example: "Martin Luther King Jr. is considered an influential person in the civil rights movement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He was the most influential person in football history.

The Guardian - Sport

Who has been the most influential person in your life?

The New York Times

Bashir's relationship to Saddam made him a very influential person in Baghdad.

The New Yorker

He remains the most influential person in my professional life in America.

The New York Times - Food

Yousafzai also wrote for the magazine, to honor fellow influential person Hillary Clinton.

The Guardian

Mr. Ahmadinejad is, after all, not the most powerful or influential person in his country.

The New York Times

Time's readers voted Vladimir Putin the most influential person in the world.

The Guardian

In 1980, U.S. News & World Report rated Mr. Jones as the most influential person in business.

The New York Times

"Mr. Lee is a very influential person politically," Mr. Kono told reporters in Tokyo.

The New York Times

"I think he is arguably the most influential person of his generation," says Kirkpatrick.

The Guardian - Tech

Akon is undoubtedly the most influential person in the music industry at the moment.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as an "influential person", be specific about the area in which they exert influence. For example, "an influential person in the field of environmental conservation" provides more context.

Common error

Avoid labeling someone as an "influential person" without providing concrete examples or evidence of their impact. Back up the claim with specific achievements or recognition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "influential person" functions as a noun phrase that describes an individual who has the power to affect or determine events, actions, or decisions of others. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatical and usable. The provided examples showcase its versatility across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "influential person" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone who has a significant impact on others. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and widespread use. As evidenced by numerous examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, this phrase appears frequently in news, media, and academic contexts. Alternatives such as "impactful individual" or "powerful figure" may be used to add nuance. When using "influential person", it's best practice to specify the area of influence and provide evidence to support the claim. While its usage is appropriate across different registers, maintaining precision is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key influencer

Modern term that emphasizes the act of influencing, often in marketing or social contexts.

person of influence

A more formal and direct rephrasing of the original phrase.

impactful individual

Focuses on the impact the person has, rather than the act of influencing.

pivotal figure

Highlights the critical and decisive role of the person.

powerful figure

Emphasizes the authority and strength of the person.

prominent leader

Highlights the leadership role and visibility of the individual.

leading light

Implies the person is a source of inspiration and guidance.

change agent

Stresses the person's role in bringing about change.

significant player

Indicates the person has an important role in a particular field or situation.

major force

Highlights the person's strength and ability to exert influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "influential person" to describe someone who has a significant impact on others or a particular field. For example, "She is an "influential person" in the world of technology."

What are some alternatives to "influential person"?

Some alternatives include "impactful individual", "powerful figure", or "prominent leader", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "influential person" in formal writing?

Yes, "influential person" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider using more specific language to describe the nature of their influence for greater precision.

What's the difference between an "influential person" and a "famous person"?

An ""influential person"" affects the actions or opinions of others, while a "famous person" is simply widely known. Someone can be famous without being influential, and vice versa.