the influential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the influential" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to people or entities that have a significant impact or effect on others, often in a social, political, or cultural context. Example: "The influential figures in the movement helped shape public opinion and policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the influential Ivorian players?

The New York Times - Sports

The influential Belgrade newspaper, Politika, has said something similar.

The Economist

But the influential historian will be tougher to shake.

Independent

Smith previously worked at the influential Politico website in Washington.

Independent

He also co-founded the influential VidCon conference.

The Guardian - Tech

He was a contemporary of the influential musician Don Drummond.

The Guardian - Music

Most lobbyists focus on the influential leaders of the Legislature.

The New York Times

A few examples from the influential Radio 4 Today programme.

The Guardian - Opinion

Green introduced us to the influential Clap-O-Meter.

The Guardian - Arts

Even the influential Roman Catholic Church is split.

The New York Times

The influential midfielder Manuel Iturra is also suspended.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the influential", ensure the context clearly indicates the area in which the subject exerts influence. For example, "the influential economist" clarifies the domain of influence.

Common error

Avoid using "the influential" when the subject's impact is minor or localized. Ensure the level of influence is commensurate with the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the influential" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase. It characterizes a noun by attributing to it the quality of exerting influence. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the influential" is a frequently used adjective phrase that effectively highlights the significant impact or power of a subject. Ludwig AI indicates that its grammatical status is correct, with a tendency toward neutral to formal register. It appears most commonly in news, science, and formal business contexts. While alternatives exist, "the influential" provides a clear and direct way to convey the importance of something's impact. Remember to ensure the context supports the claim of influence to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the powerful

This alternative shifts the focus from influence to direct power or authority.

the authoritative

This emphasizes the credibility and reliability that underlies influence.

the prominent

This highlights the visibility and recognition associated with influence.

the significant

This emphasizes the importance and impact of the influenced entity.

the leading

This suggests being at the forefront and guiding others.

the dominant

This focuses on a prevailing or controlling influence.

the consequential

This stresses the far-reaching effects of the influence.

the pivotal

This underscores the critical importance of the influence.

the momentous

This highlights the historical significance of the influence.

the weighty

This focuses on the heavy impact and seriousness of the influence.

FAQs

How can I use "the influential" in a sentence?

You can use "the influential" to describe people, groups, or ideas that have a significant impact. For example, "the influential leader shaped the nation's policies".

What are some alternatives to "the influential"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use phrases like "the powerful", "the prominent", or "the leading".

Is it better to say "an influential" or "the influential"?

Use "an influential" when referring to one among many who have influence. Use "the influential" when referring to a specific, well-known entity or group.

What is the difference between "the influential" and "the effective"?

"The influential" refers to someone or something that has a large impact on others, while "the effective" refers to someone or something that achieves the desired result.