prominent figure

USAGE SUMMARY

"prominent figure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase when referring to a person who has authority, influence, or fame. For example, "Mahatma Gandhi was a prominent figure in India's struggle for independence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No prominent figure protested.

The Economist

Abedin is herself a prominent figure in Democratic politics.

The Guardian

Another prominent figure in that Bournemouth success was Liam Feeney.

The Guardian - Sport

He was and remains a prominent figure among Syrian doctors.

Independent

Around this time, another prominent figure entered the fray.

Independent

Stevens became a prominent figure in naval design.

Encyclopedia Britannica

John Alden became a prominent figure in colonial Massachusetts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Wasendorf was a prominent figure in the futures business.

The New York Times

Bennett could be a lot better as a more prominent figure in any offense.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Jenne, a lawyer, has long been a prominent figure in state Democratic politics.

The New York Times

For who has been a prominent figure in Betfair's promotions of horse racing?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone as a "prominent figure", provide specific details about their achievements or contributions to illustrate why they are considered prominent. This adds credibility and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "prominent figure" as a generic label. Always ensure the context makes it clear why the person is considered prominent and what specific roles or achievements justify this description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prominent figure" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies and characterizes an individual who holds a position of importance or influence within a particular domain.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prominent figure" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase used to describe individuals with significant influence, authority, or recognition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, while its frequent appearance in news media, encyclopedias, and wikis underscores its widespread applicability. To enhance clarity and impact, always provide specific details about the person's achievements or contributions to substantiate their prominence. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "leading light", "major player", or "influential individual" to convey similar meanings with subtle variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respected authority

This suggests expertise and credibility within a specific domain.

leading light

This alternative suggests someone who inspires or guides others within a particular field.

influential individual

This highlights the person's capacity to affect others or outcomes.

major player

This phrase emphasizes influence and power, suggesting someone with significant control.

notable personage

This alternative carries a more formal and somewhat old-fashioned tone.

figure of importance

This alternative is a more formal and emphatic way of saying "important person".

well-known personality

This alternative highlights public recognition and fame.

significant contributor

This focuses on the person's impact and accomplishments.

important person

This is a more general term, indicating significance but not necessarily fame.

big name

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes widespread recognition.

FAQs

How can I use "prominent figure" in a sentence?

You can use "prominent figure" to describe someone well-known and influential in a particular field. For example: "She is a "prominent figure" in the field of environmental conservation.".

What are some alternatives to "prominent figure"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "leading light", "major player", or "influential individual".

Is "prominent figure" a formal or informal phrase?

"Prominent figure" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase suitable for various writing contexts including news articles, academic papers, and professional reports.

Can "prominent figure" be used for both living and deceased individuals?

Yes, "prominent figure" can be used to refer to both living and deceased individuals who have made a significant impact in their respective fields. However, if they are deceased, be sure to use the past tense.