key influences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key influences" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to significant factors or elements that have an impact on a situation, decision, or outcome. Example: "The key influences on her decision to move were job opportunities and family support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Other key influences?

The Guardian - Music

Stieglitz became one of the key influences on Strand's work.

The New Yorker

James himself has credited Charles Dickens as one of his key influences.

The Guardian - Books

What have been been the key influences on the design and structure of Elite?

The Guardian - Tech

Where did you get your drive? A. There were a couple of key influences.

The New York Times

He described Brando, who died in 2004, as one of the key influences on his acting career.

The Guardian - Film

So what were the key influences behind World of Warcraft when Blizzard started out on the project?

The Guardian - Tech

Equally eccentric for a laureate of big Parisian prizes, Dicker cites Orwell and Steinbeck as key influences.

Independent

The key influences on Philo's philosophy were Plato, Aristotle, the Neo-Pythagoreans, the Cynics, and the Stoics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This time around, he's crafted a homage to jazz great Sidney Bechet on which he parades his key influences, chief among them New Orleans rhythms (New Orleans Aka).

The Guardian - Music

One of the key influences on his style, which has matured quickly since his graduation in 2008, was the college's course in miniature painting.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing influences, be specific. Instead of just stating "key influences", identify what those influences are and explain how they exert their effects. For example: "The key influences on the artist's early work were cubism and surrealism, which are evident in his fragmented compositions and dreamlike imagery."

Common error

Avoid using "key influences" as a filler phrase without substantial evidence or explanation. Ensure you provide concrete examples and analysis to support your claim. For example, avoid simply stating "Marketing and product quality are key influences"; instead, elaborate by explaining the specific marketing strategies and product features that drove success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key influences" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, identifying significant factors or elements impacting a situation, decision, or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key influences" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the most significant factors affecting a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in written English. It appears most commonly in science and news media contexts, demanding clear and specific identification of what these influences are. While versatile, it’s crucial to avoid vague usage and ensure substantial evidence backs any claims made using the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major determinants

Focuses on the factors that decisively affect an outcome, implying a strong causal relationship.

primary drivers

Highlights the elements that propel or stimulate a process or development.

significant factors

Emphasizes the importance of certain elements in contributing to a result.

principal elements

Underscores the fundamental components that constitute a larger whole.

crucial components

Stresses the necessity and importance of certain parts for the functionality of a system.

leading aspects

Points to the most prominent features or considerations.

critical variables

Indicates the factors that are most important to monitor or control in a given situation.

essential ingredients

Implies that certain elements are indispensable for achieving a desired result.

vital forces

Suggests that some influences are fundamental and energetic in shaping events.

cornerstones

Highlights the foundational elements that support and stabilize a system or idea.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "key influences" in a sentence?

To effectively use "key influences", clearly identify the subject being influenced and specify what those influences are. For example: "The "key influences on" the development of jazz music include blues, ragtime, and European classical music."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "key influences"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "major factors", "primary drivers", or "significant elements" instead of "key influences".

Is it always necessary to explicitly state "key influences", or can it be implied?

While you can imply influences, explicitly stating them using "key influences" often provides clarity and emphasis, especially in academic or formal writing. However, in less formal contexts, implication may suffice if the influences are obvious.

What's the difference between "key influences" and "minor influences"?

"Key influences" refers to the most significant factors affecting something, while "minor influences" refers to less impactful or less important factors. Recognizing the difference is important for accurate analysis and decision-making.