man of influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "man of influence" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a man who has significant power or sway in a particular area, such as business, politics, or social circles. For example, "He was known as a man of influence in the local community." Alternative expressions include "powerful figure" and "influential person."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

He was a man of influence.

The New Yorker

They have both made statements indicating that they see him as a man of influence.

The Guardian - Opinion

In new democratising Myanmar, the generals' saviour remained a man of influence and honour.

The Economist

At 41, he is striving to become a man of influence.

The New York Times

These appearances allowed him to discuss current events, drop names and burnish his image as a man of influence.

The New York Times

Handel was not only a great composer, he was a great Londoner: a man of influence and of his time.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Sontag had a gift for cultivating men of influence and intellectual power.

The Guardian

The tutors have yet to meet any Saudi men of influence.Some leadership techniques are difficult to impart.

The Economist

The country was showing increasing signs of its discontent, and Wolsey's efforts to remedy grievances only exasperated men of influence without bringing satisfaction to the poor.

Britannica

Although sexual assault occurs across society, men of influence or standing carrying an extra sparkle of fame can be especially prey to a sense of entitlement.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Gran Cardinale was renowned for his generosity and kindness (he was one of the few Renaissance men of influence to treat Rome's Jews humanely).

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "man of influence", provide specific examples of their influence to add credibility and depth to your description.

Common error

Avoid labeling someone a "man of influence" without providing supporting evidence or examples. This can weaken your argument and make your writing less persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "man of influence" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or appositive to describe someone who possesses significant power to affect events, decisions or actions of others. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

14%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "man of influence" is a noun phrase employed to describe an individual wielding significant power to shape events or decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Analysis of its contexts reveals that it is most frequently found in news media, with academic and encyclopedic sources also utilizing the phrase. While largely neutral in register, it suggests that the context needs to support the claim. For more precise language, alternatives such as "powerful figure", or "person of authority" can also be chosen. When using the phrase, providing concrete examples of the influence will add weight to any argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

powerful figure

Focuses more directly on the power held by the individual.

leading light

Emphasizes the person's role as a guide or inspiration.

key player

Highlights the importance of the individual in a particular context or situation.

person of authority

Stresses the formal power or position held by the individual.

heavy hitter

An informal term emphasizing the individual's impact and effectiveness.

major force

Emphasizes the individual's ability to drive change or exert control.

VIP

An abbreviation for very important person.

big shot

An informal term for a person with high status and influence.

person of consequence

Highlights the significant impact of the individual's actions or decisions.

mover and shaker

Emphasizes the individual's proactive role in initiating change and influencing others.

FAQs

How can I use "man of influence" in a sentence?

You can use "man of influence" to describe someone who has significant power or sway in a particular field. For example, "He was a "man of influence" in the local business community".

What are some synonyms for "man of influence"?

Alternatives to "man of influence" include "powerful figure", "key player", or "person of authority" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "man of influence" in formal writing?

Yes, "man of influence" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing individuals with significant power or impact in a professional or academic setting. Consider also "leading light".

What's the difference between "man of influence" and "man of power"?

While both phrases denote someone with authority, "man of influence" emphasizes the ability to affect decisions or opinions, whereas "man of power" focuses more on formal control or authority.