significant sway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant sway" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a considerable influence or power that someone or something has over a situation or group. Example: "The politician had significant sway over the legislative process, shaping the outcome of key bills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

You'd be forgiven for concluding that he'll actually have significant sway over Catholics in this country.

The New York Times

There is Koncz, who, despite the criticism, still holds significant sway, particularly in regard to Pacquiao's finances.

The New York Times - Sports

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, he has significant sway over telecommunications policies.

The New York Times

Mr. Suozzi's supporters toss the blame to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who holds significant sway over which Democrats are anointed as delegates.

The New York Times

While committee chairmen are not as influential as they were when the House was under Democratic control, they continue to hold significant sway over legislation.

The New York Times

Even in the federal Parliament, which includes deputies from both halves of Bosnia, there is a chance that the Social Democrats will hold significant sway, Mr. Balagus said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The results of a practical 40-storey building example with significant swaying and torsional effects are presented.

Engineering Structures

The exposure main effect was significant for sway area, eyes closed and eyes open, and soft surface, and approached significance for sway length, eyes closed.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Significant building sway during strong winds, typhoons (or hurricanes) and monsoons may potentially have an adverse affect on the well-being and comfort of the occupants who live and/or work within these skyscrapers.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

The pope, arguably the most powerful religious leader in the world, also has significant political sway.

Huffington Post

It's certainly not universal ― gun groups like the NRA still hold significant political sway, and their membership reportedly spiked after Parkland, as it has during past shootings.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations. "Significant sway" implies not just influence, but a noticeable and possibly decisive impact. Use it when this level of influence is accurate.

Common error

Avoid using "significant sway" when the influence is minor or uncertain. This phrase denotes a substantial effect, so ensure the situation warrants such strong wording.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant sway" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb like 'have', 'hold', or 'exert'. It describes the degree of influence someone or something possesses. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its usage in various contexts, such as political and economic spheres.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "significant sway" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to denote a considerable degree of influence or power. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in a wide variety of contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications. While adaptable to both formal and informal registers, its usage is prevalent in contexts demanding objectivity and analytical depth. Alternative expressions include "considerable influence", "substantial impact", and "major influence", each bearing slight differences in semantic weight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable influence

Focuses on the extent of impact rather than the method of exerting it.

substantial impact

Emphasizes the effect or result of the influence.

major influence

Highlights the importance and scale of the influence.

powerful impact

Emphasizes the intensity and strength of the effect.

strong influence

Highlights the intensity of the influence exerted.

notable power

Stresses the noticeable degree of power held.

marked effect

Highlights that the effect is easy to notice.

important influence

Emphasizes the relevance and importance of the influence.

appreciable impact

Focuses on the easiness of evaluating the impact.

decisive voice

Highlights the capacity to determine an outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "significant sway" in a sentence?

You can use "significant sway" to describe the influence a person or entity has over decisions or events, such as, "The lobbyist group has "considerable influence" on the committee's decisions".

What are some alternatives to "significant sway"?

Alternatives include ""considerable influence"", "substantial impact", or "major influence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "significant sway" in formal writing?

Yes, "significant sway" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing political, economic, or social influences. Its formality aligns with professional and academic contexts.

What's the difference between "significant sway" and "minor influence"?

"Significant sway" indicates a notable and impactful level of influence, whereas "minor influence" suggests a smaller, less consequential effect. The choice depends on the degree of impact you want to communicate.