leading force

USAGE SUMMARY

"leading force" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person or organization that is in a position of power and that has a significant influence in a certain area. For example: "The company is a leading force in the technology industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It thought it could overtake the socialists as the leading force on the left and, so, either lead the government or lead the opposition.

The Guardian

Mr. Felder was a leading force in the vote to extend term limits.

The New York Times

Not long ago Ms. Livni, 53, was a popular and leading force in Israeli politics.

The New York Times

Mr. Shumlin, a Democrat, was a leading force in the February vote.

The New York Times

A passionate orator, he quickly became a leading force within the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bar-Ilan is a leading force in unifying Israel's religious and secular communities.

The New York Times

He was also a leading force behind the rise of affluent, western-style suburbs ringing Cairo.

The Guardian

In the last decade, the SDLP has lost its poll position as leading force in nationalism in Northern Ireland.

The Guardian

John McCain, as a leading force in McCain-Feingold, asked outside groups not to spend in support of his candidacy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Hip-hop has been a leading force in what might be called the un-ironic American self-homage.

The New Yorker

This will be the moment Ukip was created for; the party will be the leading force for "out".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leading force" to describe entities that not only have power but also actively shape the direction or outcome of events. For a more passive influence, consider "major influence".

Common error

Avoid using "leading force" to describe something that is merely popular or well-known. The phrase implies active influence and direction, not just recognition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading force" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies an entity that exerts significant influence or dominance, aligning with Ludwig's assessment of its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

11%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

10%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "leading force" is a noun phrase widely used to describe entities with significant influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general usability. It appears most frequently in news and media and encyclopedic contexts. While it is important to use it when referring to entities actively shaping events, this noun phrase is not appropriate when the entity is merely well-known. Related alternatives include "driving force", "principal power", and "key player". Overall, "leading force" is a versatile and impactful phrase when used accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

driving force

Emphasizes the impetus and energy behind an action or movement, rather than just influence.

principal power

Highlights the dominance and authority held, focusing more on the aspect of power.

key player

Focuses on the importance of an individual or entity in a particular activity or field.

major influence

Directly indicates the degree of impact someone or something has.

dominant factor

Highlights the role of being most important in determining an outcome.

chief influence

Indicates the primary influential entity, adding a sense of hierarchy.

foremost influence

Highlights the prominent and forward position of the influence.

main impetus

Emphasizes the role as a catalyst or driver behind an action.

primary motivator

Highlights the role of inspiring or compelling action in others.

central figure

Focuses on the person who is the center of attention or activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "leading force" to describe an entity that has a significant influence in a particular area. For example, "The company is a "leading force" in the technology industry".

What's the difference between "leading force" and "driving force"?

"Leading force" implies influence and direction, while "driving force" emphasizes the energy and impetus behind an action or movement.

Which is more appropriate in a formal setting: "leading force" or "major influence"?

"Leading force" is generally more impactful, but "major influence" can be used when a more subtle or indirect influence is intended.

What can I say instead of "leading force"?

You can use alternatives like "key player", "principal power", or "dominant factor" depending on the specific context.