a controlling influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a controlling influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person, group, or factor that has a significant impact on the behavior or decisions of others. Example: "The company's leadership has been a controlling influence on the direction of the project, shaping its goals and outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

In the 1990s, the ISI supported the militants as a proxy force to contest Indian-controlled Kashmir, the border territory that India and Pakistan both claim, and to gain a controlling influence in neighboring Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Social interaction can offer inspiration to science, as well as a controlling influence.

The Guardian

In their broad interpretation, they have suggested that they need show only that Mr. Muhammad exerted a controlling influence.

The New York Times

During the Chinese civil war Japan exercised a controlling influence in south Manchuria with the support of its Kwantung Army.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We are … a great imperial Republic destined to exercise a controlling influence upon the actions of mankind," a pundit of the period declared.

The New York Times - Books

A small number of economic powers, home to the world's largest corporations and financial institutions, continue to exercise a controlling influence at the IMF and the World Bank, driving negotiations at the World Trade Organisation and on the climate challenge.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Specifically, we have used our metabolic reconstruction for identifying those biochemical reactions that have a strong influence on controlling cancer cell growth, a worthy issue when one desires to identify metabolic targets with effective results in cancer treatments [6].

Plosone

Some other Chinese multinationals find uncertainty about their controlling influence a handicap overseas.

The Economist

It's no secret that the Republicans who paint Obama as an elitist because he is an intellectual are elite in a profoundly more sinister way: controlling influence, money, power, big media, and pouring billions of dollars into buying elections.

Huffington Post

Important features innate to this organised tissue, such as cell cell interactions, control of proliferation, differentiation, the deposition of a basement membrane and the controlling influence of the connective tissue (Moharamzadeh et al, 2007), are all lost in monolayer culture.

British Journal of Cancer

"We have influence but not controlling influence".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a controlling influence", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being controlled and the extent of that control. Clarity prevents misinterpretations about the level or nature of the influence.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the scope of the "controlling influence". Quantify or qualify the influence to maintain credibility; otherwise, you risk portraying the influence as absolute when it is likely partial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a controlling influence" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies something or someone that exerts significant power or authority, shaping events or behaviors as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a controlling influence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes something or someone exerting significant power or authority. Ludwig AI indicates its presence in a wide array of contexts, most notably in News & Media and Science, with a neutral to formal register. Related phrases offer nuanced alternatives, and writers should be aware of the potential for overstating the scope of this influence. By understanding its contexts and potential impact, writers can effectively use "a controlling influence" to convey power dynamics with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dominant influence

Emphasizes the superior power and effect, implying a position of command.

a prevailing influence

Suggests an influence that is widespread and currently in effect.

a significant impact

Highlights the degree to which something affects a situation or outcome.

a decisive effect

Focuses on the conclusive nature of the influence, leading to a clear resolution.

a key factor

Indicates that the influence is an essential element in a particular situation.

a primary driver

Suggests that the influence is the main force behind an action or event.

a leading force

Emphasizes the guiding nature of the influence, directing progress or change.

a powerful sway

Highlights the persuasive strength of the influence, affecting opinions or actions.

a major determinant

Implies that the influence is a crucial element in establishing a specific outcome.

a potent effect

Highlights the strength and effectiveness of the influence, producing noticeable results.

FAQs

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

You can use "a controlling influence" to describe someone or something that has significant power over events, decisions, or people. For example, "The government had a controlling influence over the media".

What phrases are similar to "a controlling influence"?

Similar phrases include "a dominant influence", "a significant impact", or "a prevailing influence".

What does it mean for someone to have "a controlling influence"?

It means they possess significant power or authority to affect decisions, behaviors, or outcomes, often more than others involved.

Is it always negative to have "a controlling influence"?

Not necessarily. While the term can suggest manipulation or undue power, it can also describe responsible leadership or a necessary degree of authority in certain contexts. It depends on how the "controlling influence" is exercised.