secondary figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secondary figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as art, literature, or statistics to refer to a character, element, or data point that is not the primary focus but still holds significance. Example: "In the painting, the secondary figure in the background adds depth to the overall composition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

But the defendant may be just a secondary figure.

The New York Times

She is a secondary figure in King's book; Gilroy made her an equal protagonist.

The New Yorker

A vivid but secondary figure in his own time, Malcolm X had achieved the status of an icon.

The New Yorker

He also became the central or secondary figure of a number of popular tales.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In several of the best, the main account is quietly hollowed out by the vague counterstory of a secondary figure -- someone marginal, unconsidered, powerless.

The New York Times - Books

McNair has clearly been a secondary figure to George in the Titans' two playoff victories, with only 188 yards and no touchdowns.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

But the Trump campaign is not without secondary figures.

The New Yorker

Indeed, the puppets here are decidedly secondary figures, not much more than props.

The New York Times

(One of the book's secondary figures remarks that $1 million "was a lot of money in 1959").

The New York Times - Books

This attention to verbal minutiae extends to the secondary figures in the Lincoln gospel, not least his assassin, John Wilkes Booth.

The New Yorker

DL: Pittsburgh's secondary figures to have more dandruff without Troy Polamalu, and they're bound to miss defensive wiz Dick LeBeau.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing historical events or complex narratives, use "secondary figure" to distinguish between key players and those with less direct influence. This clarifies the roles and contributions of individuals involved.

Common error

While "secondary figure" is useful, consider if a more specific term like "supporting character", "minor role", or "background player" would provide greater clarity and nuance to your writing. Overuse can make your writing seem repetitive or imprecise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secondary figure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It identifies an entity of lesser importance compared to a primary subject. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "secondary figure" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase used to denote an entity of lesser importance or influence in comparison to a primary subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is valid across diverse contexts. The primary contexts include news and media, encyclopedias, and science, suggesting its versatility in both formal and informal settings. While various alternatives exist, such as "minor character" or "supporting role", the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. A key writing tip is to avoid overuse and consider more descriptive terms when appropriate. "Secondary figure" helps in distinguishing roles and contributions, providing clarity in narratives, events, and analyses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor character

Focuses on the character's importance in a narrative.

supporting role

Highlights the supportive function of the figure.

subordinate individual

Emphasizes the hierarchical position of the person.

peripheral character

Stresses the figure's distance from the central action.

lesser personage

Highlights the figure's reduced importance or status.

background player

Emphasizes a role of little prominence.

auxiliary actor

Focuses on an assistant or helping function.

contributing element

Highlights the aspect of providing assistance to the main subject.

attendant figure

Points out the relationship of accompanying someone more important.

insignificant person

Emphasizes the lack of importance or impact of an individual.

FAQs

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

You can use "secondary figure" to describe someone or something that is less important than the main focus. For example: "In the painting, the artist placed the main subject in the foreground and the "secondary figure" in the background."

What's the difference between "secondary figure" and "minor character"?

"Secondary figure" is a broader term that can apply to people, objects, or concepts, while "minor character" specifically refers to a character in a story who is not a main character but still plays a role. You might use "supporting role" as well, depending on the context.

What are some alternatives to "secondary figure"?

Depending on the context, you could use "minor character", "supporting role", or "peripheral character" as alternatives to "secondary figure".

Is it always clear who the "secondary figure" is in a situation?

Not always. The determination of who or what constitutes a "secondary figure" can depend on the perspective and the specific context being analyzed. The relative importance or influence may be a matter of interpretation.