person of consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "person of consequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who has significant influence, importance, or impact in a particular context or situation. Example: "In the world of politics, she is a person of consequence, often shaping the direction of key policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

You were a person of consequence.

The New Yorker

Her action forced a debate on Iran's Constitution, which said that only a rajol -- a person of consequence -- could run.

The New York Times

But there is such a vacuum, and therefore Glenn Beck, like it or not, is a person of consequence.

The New Yorker

The victim is perceived first as a person of consequence, then suddenly as an inert body subject to the laws of physics: authority is debunked by gravity, mind by matter; man is degraded to a mechanism.

Britannica

I was taken on by the Western Daily Press, a Bristol broadsheet, as a junior reporter in 1954, and, coming from an entire childhood of boarding school, I was thrilled to become, overnight, a person of consequence.

Independent

His essay on gift exchange drew on the work of the seminal turn-of-the-century ethnographers Franz Boas and Bronislaw Malinowski to explore aboriginal societies in which the person of consequence — the man or woman who is deemed worthy of adulation, respect and emulation — is not the one who accumulates the most goods but the one who disperses them.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

However, Bergé's gift lay in meeting persons of consequence, by contrivance or accident: he claimed that the poet Jacques Prévert fell out of a window on to his head, that he shared a cell with the writer Albert Camus after a demo.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He disconcerts Vera by mistaking her for a simple person of no consequence.

The New Yorker

Not only the fact that a Baltimore nobody could take out one of the Greek's top men, but also Ziggy's personal transformation from an immature object of ridicule to a person of (rather severe) consequence.

The Guardian

"It's not just that he's the first person with a personal political career of consequence to win this award, it's that he is also a full representative of what we call a social scientist.

The New York Times - Arts

Just as the Miss America Pageant is now billed as the largest scholarship program for women in the country, so the BAP can be labeled a person of vision and consequence.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "person of consequence" to describe individuals whose actions or decisions have a notable impact within a specific context, adding a touch of formality and gravitas to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "person of consequence" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound pretentious or overly formal when a simpler term like "important person" would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "person of consequence" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or appositive to describe an individual who holds significant influence, importance, or impact. Ludwig confirms the accuracy and usability of this phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "person of consequence" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe individuals who hold significant influence or importance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is appropriate and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it finds its place in formal writing and news reporting. When aiming for a more casual tone, consider alternatives like "important figure" or "influential person". Understanding the nuances of register allows writers to effectively convey the intended meaning and maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

important figure

Replaces the phrase with a more common and direct term indicating significance.

notable individual

Emphasizes the individual's recognition and distinction.

influential person

Highlights the person's capacity to affect or shape events and opinions.

significant player

Implies the person's importance within a particular field or activity.

leading light

Suggests the person is a prominent and guiding figure.

prominent figure

Indicates someone well-known and important.

person of influence

Directly states the person's power to affect others.

respected leader

Highlights the person's position of authority and the esteem they hold.

esteemed individual

Focuses on the high regard in which the person is held.

pillar of society

Implies that the person is a crucial and supportive member of a community.

FAQs

How can I use "person of consequence" in a sentence?

Use "person of consequence" to describe someone with significant influence or importance. For example, "The senator is a "person of consequence" in national politics."

What are some alternatives to "person of consequence"?

Alternatives include "important figure", "notable individual", or "influential person", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "person of consequence" a formal expression?

Yes, "person of consequence" is generally considered a formal expression, suitable for professional or academic writing, or situations where a more serious tone is desired.

What is the difference between "person of consequence" and "important person"?

"Person of consequence" carries a slightly stronger sense of impact and authority than "important person". The former suggests that the individual's actions have significant repercussions, while the latter simply denotes someone who is significant or well-regarded.