intellectual force

USAGE SUMMARY

"intellectual force" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's capacity or ability to think abstractly, critically, and analytically. For example, you might say, "The professor displayed an extraordinary intellectual force in solving the complex problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He is an intellectual force in many policy areas.

The New York Times

Her first book, "Fire in the Conservatory," had intellectual force without that generative formal opposition.

The New Yorker

Birkin's intellectual force is met by Ursula's mixture of warmth and skepticism and her emotional stability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although it was purely practical in origin, Mimamsa became a powerful intellectual force.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Don has been an intellectual force in health care for decades.

The New York Times

Ms. Friedman has already conveyed the intellectual force of Arendt, her disdain for carelessness and equivocation.

The New York Times

He was both a man of action and a powerful intellectual force.

The Guardian

"He is the voice and the intellectual force and energy behind the Republican Party.

The New York Times

Surely, he must know that Heidegger is the intellectual force behind existentialism, deconstruction and postmodernism.

The Guardian

McKee displays his own relative impotence, and so — in a happy paradox — establishes his intellectual force.

The New Yorker

Confucian scholasticism, however, like its counterparts in Talmudic and biblical studies, became too professionalized to remain a vital intellectual force.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intellectual force" to describe someone or something that has a strong impact on ideas, thought, or understanding in a particular field. It's best suited when you want to emphasize the power and influence of intellect.

Common error

Avoid using "intellectual force" to simply mean 'intelligence' or 'knowledge'. The phrase implies an active influence and impact, not just possessing information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectual force" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement, object, or appositive, describing the power or influence exerted through intellect. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intellectual force" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's used to describe a significant influence on ideas, thought, or understanding in various fields. Its usage spans neutral to formal registers, commonly appearing in news media and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, remember it implies an active and influential role rather than simply possessing intelligence. Consider alternatives like "cognitive power" or "intellectual prowess" depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey. The examples in Ludwig confirm the phrase's consistent application and validity in diverse writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectual capacity

Focuses on the maximum potential for intellectual development.

cognitive power

Emphasizes the mental capabilities and capacity for thought.

sharp intellect

Implies a keen and perceptive mind.

mental acuity

Highlights the sharpness and quickness of thought.

cognitive strength

Highlights the resilience and power of mental processes.

intellectual prowess

Focuses on exceptional skill and expertise in intellectual endeavors.

mental capability

A broad term encompassing various mental skills and abilities.

thinking ability

A more general term referring to the capacity to think and reason.

reasoning capacity

Stresses the ability to logically analyze and draw conclusions.

intellectual influence

Highlights ability to impact and shape the thinking of others.

FAQs

How can I use "intellectual force" in a sentence?

You can use "intellectual force" to describe someone or something that significantly influences a field through their intellect. For example, "Her book became an "intellectual force" in the debate about climate change".

What are some alternatives to "intellectual force"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives such as "cognitive power", "intellectual prowess", or "reasoning capacity".

Is "intellectual force" formal or informal?

"Intellectual force" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase suitable for academic, journalistic, and professional contexts. It is less common in informal conversation.

What does it mean to be an "intellectual force"?

To be an "intellectual force" means to have a significant and influential impact on ideas, thought, or understanding within a particular domain. It implies not just intelligence, but also the ability to shape perspectives and drive discourse.