a dangerous influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dangerous influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that has the potential to cause harm or negative effects on individuals or society. Example: "The spread of misinformation can be a dangerous influence on public opinion and decision-making."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"It is a dangerous influence.

The New York Times

Looking back, he feels they were a dangerous influence.

The New York Times - Sports

His is, as any reader knows, a dangerous influence.

The New Yorker

The Butte County district attorney, Mike Ramsey, criticized the Pearls' book as a dangerous influence.

The New York Times

Models, we all know, wield a dangerous influence on young women.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The androgynous Mr. Manson is a frequent target of religious and conservative groups that contend that he exerts a dangerous influence on young fans, Agence France-Presse reported.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Furthermore, McGwire's disdain for greed -- settling into St . Louisthree years ago he took less money than he would have earned by becoming a free agent a year later -- makes him a truly dangerous influence on the pastime, not to mention the nation.

The New York Times - Sports

Such an analysis might produce misleading results with a potentially dangerous influence on clinical practice (wrongly justifying short or long durations of treatment, for example) and might obscure the pressing need to address the major questions surrounding the management of SAB through randomised controlled trials.

Plosone

Nick Lowles, of the anti-fascist group Searchlight, says these groups have a growing – and dangerous – influence.

The Guardian

It is unclear to me how a child benefits from the dangerous influence of a violent offender insofar as it reduces support to the home they are recovering in.

Huffington Post

Because the gun lobby is such a powerful, insidious and dangerous influence, and because their Republican allies in Congress are so supportive of their aims, the actions must be done by presidential decrees.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a dangerous influence", ensure the context clearly specifies who or what is being influenced and the nature of the danger involved. Providing specific examples strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the potential harm caused by "a dangerous influence". Overuse can diminish the impact of the phrase and undermine your credibility. Provide evidence to support your claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dangerous influence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something or someone as exerting a negative or harmful effect. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts, emphasizing the potential for harm.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dangerous influence" is a noun phrase used to denote something or someone with the potential to cause harm or negative effects. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its common usage in news, media and wiki contexts. While it carries a negative connotation, its formality is neutral. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies who or what is being influenced and the nature of the danger. Alternatives include "a harmful effect" or "a negative impact", depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a harmful influence

Replaces "dangerous" with "harmful", softening the intensity of the negative impact.

a detrimental effect

Shifts the focus from influence to the outcome, emphasizing the negative consequence.

a corrupting force

Highlights the aspect of moral decay or degradation caused by the influence.

a pernicious effect

Emphasizes the subtle and gradual harm caused over time.

a toxic presence

Emphasizes the poisonous or destructive nature of the entity.

a destabilizing factor

Focuses on the disruption and instability caused by the influence.

a risky proposition

Shifts from influence to a course of action, highlighting the potential for negative outcomes.

a perilous undertaking

Similar to risky proposition, but with a greater sense of potential harm or failure.

a threat to security

Emphasizes the danger posed to safety and stability.

a subversive element

Highlights the undermining or destructive nature of the influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a dangerous influence" to describe someone or something that has a harmful or negative impact. For example, "The spread of misinformation can be "a dangerous influence" on public opinion".

What are some alternatives to "a dangerous influence"?

Alternatives include "a harmful effect", "a negative impact", or "a corrupting force", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to be called "a dangerous influence"?

Yes, the term "a dangerous influence" always carries a negative connotation. It suggests that someone or something is having a harmful or detrimental effect on others.

What's the difference between "a dangerous influence" and "a strong influence"?

"A strong influence" simply means having a significant impact, without specifying whether it's positive or negative. In contrast, "a dangerous influence" explicitly indicates a harmful or detrimental effect.