Cool MateInfluential vs Notable
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Influential
Top 2,000 (common)C1adjective
Notable
Top 2,000 (common)C1adjective
| Influential | Notable | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌɪnfluˈenʃl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɪnfluˈenʃl/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈnəʊtəbl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈnəʊtəbl/"]/ |
| Meaning | Having a lot of power to change things. | Something important or worth remembering. |
| Example | a highly influential book | a **notable success/achievement/example** |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Collocations | be, prove, become, extremely, fairly, very, in | be, especially, particularly, for |
| Antonyms | insignificant, unimportant, powerless | insignificant, trivial, unremarkable |
| Common mistakes | 'Influential' is often confused with 'influent', which has a different meaning., Learners might forget to specify what is being influenced., Misplacement of 'influential' in a sentence, as in using it before the noun instead of after. | Confusing 'notable' with 'noteworthy' - they are similar but have different nuances., Using 'notable' as a verb instead of an adjective., Misplacing the adjective in a sentence, leading to awkward phrasing. |
| Usage notes | Use 'influential' to describe people or things that have a strong effect on others. It's suitable in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it in casual conversations unless discussing someone important. | Use 'notable' to emphasize importance or distinction, particularly in academic or formal contexts. It may not fit casual conversations where simpler words like 'important' may be more suitable. |
Frequently asked questions: Influential vs Notable
What's the difference between Influential and Notable?
Influential: Having a lot of power to change things. Notable: Something important or worth remembering.
Are Influential and Notable the same CEFR level?
Influential: C1, Notable: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Influential and Notable?
Influential: adjective, Notable: adjective.
Can you show an example of each?
Influential: a highly influential book Notable: a **notable success/achievement/example**
Can I use Influential and Notable interchangeably?
Not always. Influential and Notable are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.