the leading figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the leading figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who is at the forefront of a particular field, movement, or organization, often implying a position of influence or authority. Example: "In the world of technology, she is considered the leading figure in artificial intelligence research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Otherwise, John Henry would not be the leading figure in the group buying the Red Sox.

The New York Times - Sports

The leading figure in the Bloomsbury movement, Virginia Woolf kept diaries for much of her life.

The Guardian - Books

As the leading figure in one of America's two great political parties, though, he's anorexic.

The New Yorker

It doesn't take a genius to see that tomorrow, the leading figure may be less benign.

The Guardian - Opinion

The leading figure on the Polish side was the nobleman Aleksander Wielopolski.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The leading figure in modern French-Swiss literature is Charles-Ferdinand Ramuz.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dr. Seligman added, "She was the leading figure in sex differences in depression of her generation".

The New York Times

The leading figure in Florence's intellectual ascendancy was a returning exile, Brunetto Latini.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The theory also attracted the interest of the leading figure in the world of theoretical physics, Edward Witten.

The New Yorker

Director: Kathryn Bigelow Entertainment grade: B– History grade: C   Osama bin Laden was the leading figure in al-Qaida.

The Guardian - Film

Adams became the leading figure in Congress in the fight against slavery, despite efforts to silence him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "the leading figure" with specific achievements or contributions to emphasize their impact and justify their status. For instance, "the leading figure in climate research" becomes more compelling when followed by details about their influential studies.

Common error

Avoid casually labeling someone as "the leading figure" without providing sufficient evidence or context to support the claim. This can dilute the phrase's impact and credibility. Instead, offer concrete examples of their influence or accomplishments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the leading figure" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or appositive. It identifies an individual who holds a position of prominence and influence within a specific context, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the leading figure" is a noun phrase that designates an individual of significant influence or authority within a defined context. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various sources. Predominantly found in news media and encyclopedic entries, it serves to highlight an individual's importance. To ensure effective usage, provide clear context and justification for their leadership status. Alternatives include "the foremost individual" and "the principal person". Avoid overuse without supporting evidence to maintain credibility. By adhering to these guidelines, writers can effectively employ "the leading figure" to accurately and impactfully portray individuals of prominence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the foremost individual

Emphasizes the individual's position at the front or head of a group or field.

the principal person

Highlights the person's primary role or significance.

the key personality

Focuses on the individual's role as a crucial and recognizable figure.

the main protagonist

Draws a parallel to a central character in a narrative or movement.

the dominant force

Indicates that the person exerts considerable influence or control.

the central authority

Emphasizes the individual's power and decision-making capacity.

the top influencer

Highlights the person's ability to affect opinions and behaviors.

the head honcho

A more informal term for the person in charge or with the most influence.

the chief architect

Emphasizes the person's role in designing or creating a system or plan.

the prime mover

Highlights the person who initiates or drives a process or movement.

FAQs

How can I use "the leading figure" in a sentence?

Use "the leading figure" to describe someone who is prominent and influential in a particular field or movement. For example, "She is considered "the leading figure" in the development of AI technology".

What are some alternatives to using "the leading figure"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "the principal person", "the foremost individual", or "the key personality".

Is it appropriate to use "the leading figure" in formal writing?

Yes, "the leading figure" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to highlight someone's significant role and influence. However, ensure the context is appropriate and the claim is well-supported.

What distinguishes "the leading figure" from other similar phrases?

"The leading figure" specifically emphasizes the individual's position at the forefront and their influence in a particular area, whereas terms like "influential person" or "prominent leader" may not always imply the same level of pioneering or innovative impact.