is a major influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a major influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that has a significant impact or effect on a situation, person, or outcome. Example: "The new policy is a major influence on employee productivity and morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

He says Keith Haring is a major influence.

The New Yorker

But for subatomic particles, it is a major influence.

The New York Times - Science

And black contemporary music is a major influence.

The New York Times

It goes without saying that Stephen King is a major influence on me.

The Guardian

James Joyce is a major influence – Vickers has even called one of the stories "Epiphany".

The Guardian - Books

Swing to the right: At Peterhouse, tutor Maurice Cowling is a major influence in Portillo's shift to the political right.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Especially, the number of discrete variables is a major influencing factor on computational difficulty.

Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems

Reinforcement corrosion is a major influencing factor in deterioration of reinforced- and prestressed-concrete structures.

Engineering Structures

It was a major influence on subsequent rock-influenced jazz artists, including Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea and Weather Report.

Wikipedia

The magazine had been a major influence on Updike.

The Guardian - Books

Lauryn Hill has definitely been a major influence for me.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is a major influence", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being influenced and the nature of that influence. This adds clarity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "is a major influence" without providing specific examples or evidence to support the claim. Overstating influence can weaken your argument and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a major influence" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying the subject as a significant influencing factor. Ludwig shows its use across various domains, emphasizing the subject's notable impact or effect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is a major influence" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the significant impact or effect of something. Ludwig's analysis, consistent with its examples, indicates its prevalence across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge. While versatile, it's important to use this phrase with clear context and supporting evidence to avoid overstatement. Alternatives like "has a significant effect" or "plays a significant role" can offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has a profound impact

Conveys a deeper, more transformative effect than a regular influence.

has a considerable effect

Replaces "influence" with "effect", emphasizing the outcome or result of the impact.

plays a significant role

Shifts focus to the role something plays, highlighting importance within a system or process.

shapes significantly

Focuses on the act of shaping, indicating a formative or molding influence.

exerts a strong impact

Changes the structure to emphasize the action of exerting an impact, which can imply active force or pressure.

is a key driver

Positions the influence as something that propels or initiates action or change.

is a dominant factor

Changes to "dominant factor", stressing the controlling or prevailing nature of the influence.

is crucially important

Highlights the critical nature of the influence, indicating it's essential or vital.

figures prominently

Uses a more figurative expression to convey that something is noticeably important or influential.

weighs heavily

Emphasizes the significance of something by suggesting it has substantial importance or consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "is a major influence" in a sentence?

You can use "is a major influence" to describe something that has a significant impact. For example, "The internet "is a major influence" on modern communication".

What can I say instead of "is a major influence"?

Alternatives include "has a significant effect", "plays a significant role", or "is a key factor" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "major influence" or "significant influence"?

Both "major influence" and "significant influence" are acceptable. "Major" emphasizes the scale or extent of the influence, while "significant" highlights its importance or consequence. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "is an influence" and "is a major influence"?

"Is an influence" indicates that something has some effect, while "is a major influence" suggests that the effect is substantial and important. The latter emphasizes a greater degree of impact.