outsized influence

USAGE SUMMARY

"outsized influence" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a person, group, or factor that has a disproportionately large impact or effect on a situation or outcome. An example: "The celebrity's outsized influence on social media can shape public opinion." Alternative expressions include "disproportionate impact," "significant sway," and "major effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

BRITAIN is a midsized island with outsized influence.

The Economist

That gives him outsized influence for a freshman.

The New York Times

It has had an outsized influence beyond that territory.

The New Yorker

How better to demonstrate Blake's outsized influence on him than by opening the book with an allusion to Milton's outsized influence on Blake?

The New Yorker

With his moral authority and moral glamour, he exerted an outsized influence.

The New Yorker

But America's 44th president has had an outsized influence on Xiao's life.

Independent

Apple's outsized influence in the industry, however, is not just a matter of nostalgia and charisma.

The New York Times

Standing just 5ft 2in tall, Prince truly had an outsized influence on the world.

The Guardian - Music

So the US and the world need your outsized influence to continue – including within Europe".

The Guardian

The message is likely to resonate in Ohio, where working-class voters hold an outsized influence.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But nothing else has changed, except that his already outsized influence-peddling has grown.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid redundancy, vary your language by using synonyms like "disproportionate influence" or phrases like "significant sway" depending on the specific context. A variety of words enhances content readability.

Common error

Avoid using "outsized influence" when the impact is simply large but proportionate to the entity's size or resources. Ensure the influence is truly disproportionate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outsized influence" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "outsized" modifies the noun "influence". It describes the degree or extent of impact someone or something has. Ludwig AI validates its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outsized influence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a disproportionately large impact or effect. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's commonly found in news and media, indicating a neutral to professional register. When writing, remember to ensure the context clearly shows the influence's disproportionate nature, and consider using synonyms like "disproportionate influence" to vary your language. Steer clear of using it when the impact is merely large but proportionate. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the phrase to convey the significance of an entity's effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disproportionate influence

Emphasizes the lack of proportion in the influence exerted.

undue influence

Suggests that the influence is inappropriate or excessive.

inordinate influence

Highlights the excessiveness of the influence.

excessive influence

Directly states that the influence is beyond what is reasonable or acceptable.

overwhelming influence

Focuses on the strength and dominance of the influence.

significant sway

Implies the ability to control or affect something considerably.

major impact

Highlights the substantial effect or result.

substantial effect

Underscores the considerable consequence or outcome.

considerable leverage

Suggests having a strategic advantage to exert influence.

marked effect

Indicates that the effect is easily noticeable or distinct.

FAQs

How can I use "outsized influence" in a sentence?

You can use "outsized influence" to describe a person, group, or factor that has a disproportionately large impact or effect. For example: "The small country wielded an "outsized influence" on global politics."

What can I say instead of "outsized influence"?

You can use alternatives like "disproportionate influence", "undue influence", or "excessive influence" depending on the context.

Is "outsized influence" formal or informal?

"Outsized influence" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is most frequently used in news and media reporting, lending it a neutral tone.

What's the difference between "outsized influence" and "significant impact"?

"Outsized influence" specifically implies a disproportionately large impact, while "significant impact" simply indicates a notable effect without necessarily being disproportionate.