leading figures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leading figures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to prominent or influential individuals in a particular field or context, such as politics, business, or culture. Example: "The conference will feature several leading figures in the technology industry who will share their insights on future trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Many other leading figures have been arrested.

The New York Times

He was one of the leading figures of his day".

The New York Times

None of the leading figures in the C.D.P.C. were arrested.

The New Yorker

News of Cole's death was marked with tributes from leading figures in politics and broadcasting.

The Guardian

Some of the leading figures in Paris's November attacks were known radical jihadists wanted by police.

The Guardian

Consider their prior knowledge of leading figures in the civil rights movement.

The New York Times

Politics today is notable for its absence of leaders and leading figures from working-class backgrounds.

The Guardian - Opinion

Luis Melgar is one of the leading figures of growing stand-up comedy scene.

The Guardian

Ouattara ruled that leading figures of the former regime should be prosecuted by the ICC.

The Guardian

My mother's family were aristocratic Jews and leading figures in the Liberal party.

The Guardian

Two of the leading figures in Bre-X are now dead.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about influential people, use "leading figures" to lend credibility and formality to your writing. This phrase is suitable for news articles, academic papers, and professional communications.

Common error

Avoid using "leading figures" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "important people" or "key players" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading figures" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying individuals who hold significant influence or prominence within a particular domain. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leading figures" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound phrase used to denote prominent and influential individuals within specific domains. Predominantly featured in news and media, as shown by Ludwig, it lends a formal tone to writing. While it is a correct expression, you should avoid overusing it in casual conversation. For alternatives, consider "prominent individuals", "key personalities", or "major players". Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prominent individuals

Focuses on the individual's recognized importance and status.

key personalities

Highlights the importance of the person's character and influence.

major players

Emphasizes the significant role these people have in a particular field or event.

principal actors

Suggests these individuals are central to the unfolding of events.

chief authorities

Focuses on their role as recognized experts or leaders.

top influencers

Highlights their ability to affect opinions and behaviors.

dominant forces

Emphasizes their power and influence over others.

notable figures

Focuses on their widespread recognition and importance.

significant leaders

Stresses their role in guiding and directing others.

important people

A more general term indicating importance or influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "leading figures" to refer to prominent or influential individuals in a particular field. For example: "The conference will feature several "leading figures" in the technology industry."

What are some alternatives to "leading figures"?

You can use alternatives like "prominent individuals", "key personalities", or "major players" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "leading figures" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "leading figures" is often perceived as formal. In informal contexts, consider using more casual alternatives like "important people" or "key people".

What is the difference between "leading figures" and "famous people"?

"Leading figures" implies influence and importance in a specific field, while "famous people" simply means widely known. A famous person might not necessarily be a leader or have a significant impact, whereas "leading figures" suggests both.