principal influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the main or most significant factor affecting a situation or outcome. Example: "The principal influence on her decision to move was the job offer she received from a prestigious company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

His principal influence will be to counsel caution.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Ligeti, he said, was a principal influence.

The New York Times - Arts

For centuries, Latin was the language of the learned, and a principal influence on the literate.

The New Yorker

He was grandson of the noted lighting designer Sidney William Hamlyn, who was the principal influence on Robin's cultural development.

The Guardian

Her principal influence, however, was over the changing social mores of a Britain already well engaged in the Industrial Revolution.

The New York Times - Arts

In 1948 he became a student of Lennie Tristano, who was the principal influence upon his art.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

His jump shot, for example, has had two principal influences.

The New Yorker

Among Luter's principal influences was another New Orleans innovator, the tempestuous soprano-saxophonist Sidney Bechet.

The Guardian

Brown, whose principal influences were Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

Britannica

One of the principal influences on Blake is the 19th-century French artist and satirist Honoré Daumier.

The Guardian

The principal influences upon his thinking were empiricism, represented by the English philosopher John Locke, and Continental skepticism, represented by Pierre Bayle.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "principal influence", ensure it's followed by a clear explanation of what is being influenced. For example: "The principal influence on her decision was the new job offer."

Common error

Avoid using "principle influence" when you mean "principal influence". "Principal" refers to something that is most important, while "principle" is a fundamental truth or proposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal influence" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principal influence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that identifies the most significant factor affecting a situation. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly state what is being influenced. Remember to use "principal" meaning most important, and not "principle" which refers to a fundamental belief. Alternative expressions include "main factor" or "key influence", offering writers a variety of ways to express the concept of a primary or dominant effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main factor

Focuses on the element that contributes the most significantly.

key influence

Highlights the importance and impact of the influence.

primary factor

Emphasizes the element that is first in importance or rank.

chief influence

Indicates the most important or dominant influence.

major influence

Stresses the considerable impact of the influence.

dominant factor

Indicates the factor that is most controlling or prevailing.

leading influence

Highlights the influence that guides or directs.

foremost influence

Emphasizes that the influence is the most prominent or important.

paramount influence

Emphasizes the supreme or overriding importance of the influence.

overriding factor

Suggests a factor that is more important than any other consideration.

FAQs

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

Use "principal influence" to describe the most significant factor affecting something, as in "The pervasive teaching of evolution is almost certainly the "principal influence" affecting the rise of atheism in our scientific community".

What are some alternatives to "principal influence"?

You can use alternatives like "main factor", "key influence", or "primary factor" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "principle influence" instead of "principal influence"?

No, it is not correct. "Principal" refers to the most important thing, while "principle" is a basic truth or rule. Therefore, ""principal influence"" is the correct term to use.

What's the difference between "major influence" and "principal influence"?

"Principal influence" implies the single most important influence, whereas "major influence" suggests one of several significant influences.