they are influential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are influential" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing individuals or groups that have a significant impact or effect on others or on a particular situation. For example, "The leaders of the movement are influential in shaping public opinion." Alternative expressions include "they hold sway" and "they are impactful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"They are influential," says one frontbencher.

The Guardian

But invite the parents too: they are influential now.

The Economist

They don't have knowledge, but they are influential".

The New York Times

While the committees do not amend the budget, they are influential through their criticism and advice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But they are influential: many cluster in the electorally decisive south-east of England.

The Economist

There are 120,000 licensed hunters in Poland, and they are influential in parliament.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

They're influential.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In their time they were influential works with appealing melodies and inventive orchestral accompaniments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By 1598 there were close to a million Huguenots, but in their talents "they were influential beyond their numbers".

The Guardian - Books

"They're influential and the youths that work for them are like an important human capital for them.

The Guardian

From then until their deaths in 2012 and 2014, they were influential and inspiring teachers of architecture.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase when the subject has a demonstrable impact on the thoughts or actions of others without necessarily exercising direct power

Common error

Writers often use "they are influential" as a filler phrase without explaining why or how. Instead of just stating they have influence, follow up with a 'because' clause or evidence to strengthen your argument.

How to use

Learn how to use "they are influential" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are influential" serves as a declarative statement where "they" is the subject, "are" is the linking verb and "influential" is the subject complement. According to Ludwig AI examples, it is primarily used to assign a specific attribute of impact to a group or plurality of items.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they are influential" is a versatile and grammatically perfect expression used to describe individuals, groups or variables that possess significant impact. Ludwig identifies it as a staple in authoritative writing, particularly within the realms of political journalism, scientific research and historical analysis. It is highly effective when paired with a prepositional phrase to define the scope of the impact (e.g. "influential in the community"). While synonymous with being "powerful", it more precisely captures the nuance of having a secondary or persuasive effect on others. Use this phrase confidently in any professional or academic setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are impactful

A more modern and direct alternative often found in business or social science contexts

they hold sway

Uses an idiomatic expression to emphasize control or dominance over a situation

they command influence

Uses a more active verb to show that influence is naturally granted to them

they carry weight

A metaphorical way to say their opinions or presence have serious value

they are powerful

A broader term that implies strength and the ability to command change

they are significant

A neutral alternative that suggests they are important enough to be noticed

they are instrumental

Focuses on the specific role they play in achieving a result

they are authoritative

Suggests that their influence stems from expertise or official position

they are pivotal

Emphasizes that they are a turning point or crucial element in a system

they are prominent

Focuses on visibility and being well known, which often leads to influence

FAQs

How to use "they are influential" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe groups or concepts that have impact, such as "Many believe <a href="/s/they+are+influential" target="_blank" rel="alternative">they are influential in the decision making process".

What can I say instead of "they are influential"?

Depending on your context, you might prefer "<a href="/s/they+hold+sway" target="_blank" rel="alternative">they hold sway", "<a href="/s/they+are+impactful" target="_blank" rel="alternative">they are impactful" or "<a href="/s/they+carry+weight" target="_blank" rel="alternative">they carry weight".

Is it "they are influential" or "they are influence"?

The correct form is "<a href="/s/they+are+influential" target="_blank" rel="alternative">they are influential" because you need the adjective to describe the subject. "Influence" is a noun or verb and does not fit grammatically as a subject complement here.

What is the difference between "they are influential" and "they are powerful"?

While similar, "<a href="/s/they+are+powerful" target="_blank" rel="alternative">they are powerful" usually implies direct control or strength, whereas "they are influential" suggests the ability to affect things through persuasion, prestige or indirect means.