Acquire influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Acquire influence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of gaining power, authority, or sway over others in various contexts, such as business, politics, or social situations. Example: "To succeed in this industry, it is essential to acquire influence among key stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Twomey says upholding caps on donations is important because "it is hard to acquire influence if your donation is only as valuable as that of hundreds or thousands of others".

The Guardian

Likewise, informed investors will essentially pay a premium to buy the voting stock, because without weakly motivated voters diluting the votes, those informed investors will be able to acquire influence more cheaply.

Columbia University

We think we'll be kind and thoughtful when we acquire influence, but sometimes we're weaker and meaner than we intended to be.

Huffington Post

Given that 74percentt of Syrians practice Sunni Islam, the Saudi government would like to use its religious authority and economic resources to acquire influence over a post-Assad order -- at Tehran and Hezbollah's expense.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

However, if potential irrational acquirers are very large, this may be infeasible, both because the cost of acquiring influence may be too high, and because the impact of the irrational acquisition on value may be small relative to the other idiosyncratic risks of the position in the acquirer.

Columbia University

You know, you've acquired influence, and not just money, but your life is good.

The New York Times

Others fear the abortion move speaks to a sinister and reactionary agenda which is acquiring influence and power across civil society.

The Guardian

Never a flashy senator — his colleagues Bill Bradley and Mr. Torricelli got more attention — Mr. Lautenberg acquired influence on the Appropriations Committee and had a consistently liberal voting record.

The New York Times

It has acquired influence in Africa, and has plenty of soft power (which will be enhanced if this year's football World Cup goes well).

The Economist

The United States has an interest in preventing the Taliban from destabilizing South Asia by acquiring influence in nuclear-armed Pakistan or by provoking a war between India and Pakistan, two still-insecure nuclear powers.

The New Yorker

Whether the society was small, with leadership a matter of acquiring influence rather than hereditary position, or larger, with chiefs who were looked on with awe and treated with reverence, every gift or service had to be reciprocated.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acquire influence", consider the specific context and whether a more nuanced verb like "cultivate", "exert", or "wield" might be more appropriate to convey the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "acquire influence" when the context implies a negative or manipulative connotation. In such cases, phrases like "exert undue influence" or "gain control" may be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire influence" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the action of gaining or obtaining power and sway. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct, highlighting its usability in describing the process of gaining control or authority in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acquire influence" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the process of gaining power or authority. Ludwig confirms its validity, pointing to its application in various contexts. While alternatives like "gain influence" or "develop influence" exist, "acquire influence" is direct and effective. It is most frequently found in news, academic, and scientific sources, denoting a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, consider the nuances of the situation and whether a more descriptive verb might better convey the intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gain influence

Replaces "acquire" with "gain", emphasizing the process of obtaining influence.

Attain influence

Uses "attain" instead of "acquire", suggesting a more deliberate or achieved level of influence.

Develop influence

Focuses on the gradual growth and enhancement of influence over time.

Cultivate influence

Suggests a more deliberate and nurturing approach to building influence.

Exert influence

Shifts the focus from obtaining to actively wielding influence.

Wield influence

Similar to "exert influence", emphasizing the active use of existing influence.

Secure influence

Highlights the act of firmly establishing influence.

Build clout

Uses the informal term "clout" to refer to influence, suggesting a more casual context.

Establish dominance

Emphasizes a higher degree of control and power compared to simply acquiring influence.

Gain leverage

Focuses on acquiring a position of advantage that allows one to influence outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "acquire influence" in a sentence?

You can use "acquire influence" to describe the process of gaining power or authority. For example, "She worked hard to "acquire influence" within the organization".

What are some alternatives to "acquire influence"?

Alternatives include "gain influence", "attain influence", or "develop influence", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "acquire influence" or "gain influence"?

Both "acquire influence" and "gain influence" are correct and generally interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific tone you want to convey.

What is the difference between "acquire influence" and "exert influence"?

"Acquire influence" refers to the process of obtaining influence, while "exert influence" describes the act of using the influence you already have.