major influences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major influences" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing significant factors or forces that have an impact on a person, idea, or situation. Example: "The major influences on her artistic style include her travels and the works of famous painters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jerry Falwell cited his writings as major influences in his decision to found the Moral Majority.

The New York Times

Did you meet any of your major influences this year?

The Guardian - Music

Who have been major influences on your singing?

The New York Times

Mr. Landry of the Guttmacher Institute disagreed about the major influences over the decrease.

The New York Times - Health

Citing the old masters Caravaggio and Pontormo as major influences, Mr Tillmans was a popular winner.

The Guardian - Arts

Yet when I think of my major influences, they were all European.

The Guardian

Anyway, Mandela's saintliness mutually agreed, we cast around for other major influences.

The Guardian

His father and Ronald Reagan are also major influences, as are Roosevelt and Truman.

The Guardian - Books

Both of these factors were major influences in shaping the way I play.

Independent

Sly is, of course, one of the major influences looming over HITnRUN Phase Two.

Independent

It is likely that trade routes or political hegemony levied the major influences upon this phenomenon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "major influences" on a specific subject, provide concrete examples to illustrate their impact. This adds clarity and credibility to your analysis.

Common error

Avoid attributing excessive significance to factors without sufficient evidence. Ensure that the "major influences" you identify are demonstrably impactful, using credible data or examples to support your claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major influences" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence, typically identifying key factors that have a significant impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

25%

News & Media

24%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major influences" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to denote the most significant factors affecting a situation or outcome. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is considered correct. It is prevalent across various domains, including science, news media, and encyclopedias, and suitable for both neutral and formal contexts. When using "major influences", ensure your claims are supported by concrete evidence and avoid overstating the impact without justification. Alternatives such as "significant impacts" or "key determinants" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant impacts

Focuses on the effect or consequence rather than the source of influence.

key determinants

Highlights the factors that decisively shape or determine an outcome.

primary drivers

Emphasizes the forces that propel or stimulate a particular process or development.

chief factors

Stresses the most important elements contributing to a result.

principal elements

Highlights core components that play a crucial role.

dominant forces

Suggests a power dynamic where certain influences have a stronger effect.

leading aspects

Focuses on the elements that guide or direct something.

central components

Highlights essential parts of a system or concept.

core underpinnings

Emphasizes the foundational elements that support a concept or structure.

critical variables

Focuses on the factors that are essential for understanding or predicting an outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "major influences" to identify the most significant factors that have shaped an outcome or a person's development. For instance, "The "major influences" on his decision were his family and his financial situation."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "major influences"?

You can use alternatives like "significant impacts", "key determinants", or "primary drivers" depending on the context.

In academic writing, is it appropriate to use the phrase "major influences"?

Yes, the phrase "major influences" is suitable for academic writing. It's a clear and concise way to indicate the most important factors affecting a particular subject or outcome. Just ensure you provide sufficient evidence to support your claims.

Is there a difference between "major influences" and "minor influences"?

Yes, "major influences" refers to the most significant factors, while "minor influences" refers to less important or less impactful factors. When analyzing a situation, it's essential to differentiate between these to accurately assess the relative importance of various factors.