key figure

USAGE SUMMARY

"key figure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who plays a major role or has a lot of influence in a particular situation. For example, "John is a key figure in the negotiations between the two countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For Silvers was the key figure in Didion's journalistic transformation.

The New Yorker

Nevertheless, the American president was the key figure in Paris.

The New York Times - Books

"He is a key figure in 20th-century culture".

The New York Times - Arts

The key figure in Auletta's book is Judge Jackson.

The New York Times - Books

Ms. Cohen was a key figure in the orchestra's rebirth.

The New York Times - Arts

To many, Paul Ryan was a key figure — if not the key figure — in that future.

The New York Times

Key Figure: 2003 The year Syracuse won the national title.

The New York Times

Posey also was a key figure at the plate.

The New York Times - Sports

The key figure on the court is Judge Sharon Keller... Describes her conservative stance..

The New Yorker

Nixon, he thinks, is the key figure in understanding this development.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A second guitar enters after a minute and plays a slow minor-key figure that slides down the neck.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "key figure" to clearly identify someone or something with substantial influence or importance in a specific situation. Ensure the context makes this significance evident to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "key figure" gratuitously. Ensure the individual or element genuinely holds a central role, and not just a minor part, in the context you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key figure" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies an individual or element as fundamentally important or influential within a specific context. Ludwig examples show how the phrase is consistently used to denote importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key figure" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote someone or something of significant importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it consistently signifies influence and central roles across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media. While versatile, ensure its use aligns with genuine significance within the described context, avoiding overuse in trivial situations. Alternatives such as "pivotal individual" or "central personality" may offer nuanced replacements depending on the specific message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pivotal individual

Replaces "figure" with "individual", emphasizing the person's role.

central personality

Substitutes "key" with "central" and "figure" with "personality", highlighting the individual's importance to the group.

principal player

Replaces both words with synonyms that are semantically aligned.

driving force

Implies active leadership and significant impact.

leading light

A more metaphorical expression indicating someone who inspires or guides.

major influence

Focuses on the impact the person has, rather than their specific role.

main protagonist

Emphasizes the individual's active role in a particular event or narrative.

chief architect

Highlights the person's role in planning or creating something significant.

essential component

Shifts the focus to something that is a vital element.

cornerstone

A more metaphoric term implying that the person or object is indispensable.

FAQs

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

Use "key figure" to describe someone or something essential in a particular situation. For example, "The CEO was the "key figure" in the company's turnaround."

What are some alternatives to using "key figure"?

Alternatives include "pivotal individual", "central personality", or "leading light", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "key figure" or "important person"?

"Key figure" implies a more specific and influential role in a particular context than the more general term "important person". Choose the phrase that better reflects the nature of the individual's significance.

What does it mean when someone is described as a "key figure"?

Describing someone as a "key figure" means they are essential or have a significant influence in a particular situation, organization, or event. They play a critical role in its function or outcome.