leading figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leading figure" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a term used to describe an individual who is prominent in a particular field or who influences a particular group or society. For example: Nelson Mandela was a leading figure in the fight against Apartheid.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now people here see her as its leading figure.

The Guardian

Anjem Choudary is a leading figure in both groups.

The Guardian

Pitt was a leading figure in raising a volunteer army.

The Guardian

Mr. Murail is a leading figure in spectral music.

The New York Times - Arts

He was a leading figure in algebraic and differential topology.

The New York Times

A leading figure since the 1979 Revolution, Rafsanjani went into political isolation.

The Guardian

Richard Anuzsciewicz was a leading figure in the Op Art movement in the 1960's.

The New York Times

Otherwise, John Henry would not be the leading figure in the group buying the Red Sox.

The New York Times - Sports

Back in the Commons, he became a leading figure in the Tory reform group.

The Guardian

She's truly cemented herself as a leading figure of the UK jazz scene.

The Guardian - Music

Kernes was a leading figure in the Party of Regions of Ukraine's ex-president Viktor Yanukovych.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "leading figure", ensure the context clearly defines the field or area where the person holds influence. Providing specific details enhances the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "leading figure" without establishing the individual's specific area of influence. A vague reference diminishes the phrase's significance. Always follow up with clarifying information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading figure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or appositive to identify someone of significant influence or importance. Examples from Ludwig show it describing individuals in various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

27%

Science & Research

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leading figure" is a noun phrase used to describe someone of significant influence in a particular field. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, appearing most frequently in News & Media and Academic contexts. It serves to highlight the prominence and impact of an individual. While versatile, it's best practice to provide context to specify the area of influence. Alternatives like "prominent leader" or "key influencer" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and offers numerous examples across various reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prominent leader

Focuses more on the leadership aspect.

key influencer

Highlights the impact and sway the person has.

principal actor

Emphasizes their role in an event or movement.

major player

Implies involvement and significance in a competitive environment.

chief proponent

Suggests active advocacy for a particular cause or idea.

central personality

Highlights their individual importance within a group.

driving force

Emphasizes the energy and motivation they provide.

foremost authority

Indicates expertise and recognized knowledge.

guiding light

Suggests inspiration and direction they provide to others.

towering figure

Highlights the great importance of the person.

FAQs

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

You can use "leading figure" to describe someone influential in a specific field. For example, "Marie Curie was a leading figure in the field of radioactivity research".

What are some synonyms for "leading figure"?

Alternatives include "prominent leader", "key influencer", or "major player", depending on the specific context.

Is "leading figure" formal or informal?

"Leading figure" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is widely used in news, academic papers, and general conversation.

What's the difference between "leading figure" and "famous person"?

"Leading figure" implies influence and significance in a particular domain, while "famous person" simply indicates widespread recognition, regardless of influence. They are not interchangeable.