leading lights

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leading lights" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to influential or prominent figures in a particular field or area, often in a positive context. Example: "The conference featured several leading lights in the field of technology, sharing their insights on future innovations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its leading lights are not Tories.

The Economist

Some of its younger leading lights joined more radical groups.

The Economist

Its authors are two of the discipline's leading lights.

The Economist

Some leading lights in Cosatu do not support him.

The Economist

Planes were chartered from LA, some carrying Hollywood's leading lights.

Independent

The reason: Brooklyn's leading lights are relatively dim.

The New York Times

The New School has lost one its leading lights.

The New York Times

Review: Superb outing bringing together some of Chicago's leading lights in the jazz world.

Stanford University

Musical and non-musical selections from leading lights on the art scene.

Stanford University

One of its leading lights is campaigning against the teaching of evolution in schools.

The Economist

The leading lights of Bloc 8406 were handed stiff jail sentences in 2007.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leading lights" when you want to emphasize the brilliance or influence of individuals in a particular field. It's a slightly more evocative and metaphorical choice than simply saying "key figures."

Common error

Avoid using "leading lights" too frequently in the same piece of writing. The metaphor can become cliché if overused. Vary your language by using synonyms like "key figures" or "prominent individuals" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading lights" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use to identify influential figures within a specific domain, such as "leading lights of the opposition movement" or "leading lights of the British theatre."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "leading lights" is a commonly used noun phrase referring to influential or prominent figures in a particular field. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and primarily appears in news and media contexts. While the phrase carries a slightly metaphorical tone, it maintains a generally neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing. Alternatives such as "key figures" or "prominent individuals" can be used for a more straightforward expression. When using "leading lights", it's important to consider its metaphorical nature and avoid overuse. Overall, it is best used to acknowledge exceptional individuals and emphasize their influence within a specific area.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leading figures

Similar to "key figures", but slightly more formal.

key figures

More general term, applicable in various contexts, less metaphorical.

prominent individuals

Formal and neutral, suitable for professional or academic writing.

influential people

Focuses on the power to affect outcomes or opinions.

luminaries

More formal and literary, suggesting brilliance and inspiration.

notable personalities

Emphasizes fame and public recognition.

guiding lights

Implies providing direction or inspiration, more metaphorical.

major players

Highlights importance and involvement in specific activities.

top names

Informal, emphasizes widespread recognition.

elite members

Stresses exclusivity and high social or professional standing.

FAQs

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

You can use "leading lights" to refer to influential or prominent figures in a particular field. For example, "The conference featured several "leading lights" in the field of technology."

What can I say instead of "leading lights"?

You can use alternatives like "key figures", "prominent individuals", or "influential people" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "leading lights" in formal writing?

Yes, "leading lights" can be used in formal writing, although it has a slightly metaphorical and evocative tone. For more neutral options, consider "key figures" or "prominent individuals".

What is the difference between "leading lights" and "rising stars"?

"Leading lights" refers to established and influential figures, while "rising stars" refers to individuals who are new and promising in a particular field.