ability to influence

USAGE SUMMARY

'ability to influence' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to someone's capacity or talent to sway the opinions or decisions of others. For example, "He is a successful businessman due to his strong ability to influence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"My confidence to lead, my ability to influence.

The New York Times

"Our ability to influence the conversation was remarkable".

The New York Times

"Our ability to influence the outcome is limited," Hagel said.

The Guardian

Privately, officials expressed skepticism about their ability to influence Russia.

The New York Times

"Where is our ability to influence events in the region?

The New York Times

But Gazprom's ability to influence the market may only increase.

The New York Times

For once, he has no ability to influence events.

The Economist

Mr Blair overestimated his ability to influence US decisions on Iraq.

The Guardian

He said that Blair "overestimated his ability to influence US decisions on Iraq".

The Guardian

The mayor's ability to influence international market forces is, of course, limited.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a measure of our impaired ability to influence our destiny.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to showcase your "ability to influence", provide concrete examples of situations where you successfully persuaded others or guided decisions. Quantifiable results will strengthen your claim.

Common error

Avoid claiming a significant "ability to influence" without providing specific examples or data to support your assertion. Credibility is enhanced by demonstrating, not just stating, your impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to influence" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the capacity or power to affect someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to influence" is a common and grammatically sound expression denoting the capacity to affect the actions or opinions of others. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts. To effectively convey your capabilities, provide tangible examples and data to support your claims. While it's essential to highlight your influence, ensure that your assertions are grounded in evidence and promote mutual benefit rather than manipulation. Alternatives such as "capacity to sway" or "power to affect" offer nuanced ways to express this concept. Maintaining transparency and ethical considerations is key to wielding influence responsibly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to sway

Focuses on the power to change someone's opinion or decision.

power to affect

Emphasizes the force one has to bring about a change.

potential to impact

Highlights the possibility of making a significant difference.

skill in persuasion

Refers specifically to the talent for convincing others.

capability to shape

Stresses the ability to mold or form something according to one's will.

effectiveness in guiding

Highlights the efficiency in leading or directing a process or person.

competence in affecting outcomes

Focuses on the proficiency in achieving desired results.

clout to direct

Implies having the authority or power to control a situation.

leverage to manipulate

Suggests using one's position or resources to control a situation, can carry a negative connotation.

talent for inspiring

Emphasizes the ability to motivate or encourage others through influence.

FAQs

How can I demonstrate my "ability to influence" in a job interview?

Prepare specific examples where you successfully persuaded a team, negotiated a favorable outcome, or guided a project to success. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your impact.

What are some synonyms for "ability to influence"?

Alternatives include "capacity to sway", "power to affect", or "potential to impact", depending on the specific context.

How does "ability to influence" differ from manipulation?

"Ability to influence" typically involves honest and transparent communication to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Manipulation, on the other hand, often involves deception and coercion to serve one's own interests, disregarding the well-being of others.

In what contexts is the "ability to influence" most valuable?

The "ability to influence" is highly valuable in leadership roles, sales and marketing, negotiation, diplomacy, and any situation requiring collaboration and persuasion. It is essential for driving change and achieving shared goals.