a good influence

USAGE SUMMARY

"a good influence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone who helps to guide a person in a positive direction or someone who serves as a role model for good behavior. For example: My father has always been a good influence on me, teaching me the importance of hard work and dedication.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was a good influence.

The New Yorker

She was a good influence on me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cone said his job description included being a good influence.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think Jimmy Sheeley had a good influence".

The New York Times

Perhaps Paris is having a good influence on him.

The New York Times

"I think her boyfriend has had a good influence on her.

The New York Times - Sports

He is a very good player and has a good influence on the young players.

The Guardian - Sport

Kim Gorder, the assistant scoutmaster, remembers that Hennis exerted a "good influence".

The New Yorker

He said his father had been a good influence on his cricket.

The Guardian - Sport

"We understand that a good nuclear deal can have a good influence".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Brad Gilbert says he was a 'good influence' on Andy Murray.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a good influence" when you want to highlight the positive impact someone or something has on another, guiding them towards better choices or outcomes.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone is "a good influence" without providing concrete examples. This can make your writing vague and less impactful. Instead, illustrate how they positively affect others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good influence" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes someone or something that has a positive effect on another. Examples show its role in identifying positive figures or factors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

11%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good influence" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes someone or something having a positive effect, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is versatile, appearing across various contexts from news and media to informal discussions. While generally neutral in register, providing specific examples enhances the phrase's impact. Alternatives like "a positive impact" or "a role model" can be used for variety. Remember to illustrate how the subject positively affects others rather than just stating it. This phrase serves to positively characterize subjects, highlight positive contributions, and is a mainstay in describing constructive interactions and positive guidance across various areas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a positive impact

Focuses on the effect rather than the person or thing exerting the influence.

a beneficial effect

Highlights the advantageous outcome of the influence.

a constructive force

Emphasizes the building or improving nature of the influence.

a guiding hand

Implies a supportive and directional form of influence.

a moral compass

Suggests an influence that provides ethical direction.

a role model

Denotes someone whose behavior others emulate.

a mentor figure

Highlights the guidance and support provided by the influencing entity.

a source of inspiration

Focuses on the ability to motivate and encourage.

a force for good

Emphasizes the ethical and positive nature of the influence.

an uplifting presence

Suggests a cheerful and encouraging form of influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good influence" to describe someone or something that positively affects another person's behavior or choices. For example, "My older sister has always been "a good influence" on me."

What's a more formal way to say "a good influence"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "a positive impact" or "a beneficial effect" to convey a similar meaning.

Which is correct: "a good influence on" or "a good influence in"?

"A good influence on" is the more common and grammatically appropriate choice when describing someone's effect on another person or situation. For example, "She is "a good influence on" her younger brother."

What are some other ways to describe someone who is "a good influence"?

You could describe them as "a role model", "a mentor figure", or someone who has "a constructive force" on others.