agent of influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "agent of influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person or entity that has the ability to affect the opinions or actions of others, often in a subtle or indirect way. Example: "The politician was seen as an agent of influence, swaying public opinion through strategic media appearances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"They have activated every agent of influence".

The Guardian

There are stories that he was an agent of influence, early on, for Yugoslavia.

The New Yorker

After the revelation this weekend that he had been "an agent of influence", he said he had no regrets.

The Guardian

We have influence on governments". Walter F. Mondale, he said, is an "agent of influence" of the KGB, the Soviet secret police.

The Washington Post

But there was to be a final twist in the tale when a Soviet defector named him as a Russian "agent of influence".

The Guardian

Some of An's former colleagues have accused him of being an "agent of influence" whose job was to manipulate the news and plant stories in Time.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Yet he remains a buffoon, even in his penultimate manifestation as a member of Parliament and Soviet agent-of-influence.

The New York Times - Books

And the chairman accused Brew's agent of influencing the move.

BBC

Only true agents of influence dare not say this.

The Guardian

For many, many years they have operated in the shadows, as agents of influence".

The Guardian

This article draws from his book, Agents of Influence (Knopf, 1990).

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "agent of influence", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the individual's role and the nature of their influence. Be mindful of the potentially negative connotations.

Common error

Avoid using "agent of influence" loosely to imply conspiracies without solid evidence. This can lead to misrepresentation and undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "agent of influence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It identifies an individual or entity that exerts significant persuasive power. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

18%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "agent of influence" is a grammatically sound noun phrase commonly used to describe someone who can affect the opinions or actions of others, as validated by Ludwig. While the term can carry negative connotations, it fundamentally identifies an individual or entity with persuasive power. Ludwig examples show its prevalence in news and media, formal business contexts, and wiki articles, with authoritative sources like The Guardian, The New Yorker, and The Washington Post frequently employing the phrase. Be cautious of overuse in conspiracy theories and choose synonyms like "key influencer" or "political operator" to provide better clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

person of influence

This alternative is more general and simply refers to someone who has influence.

key influencer

This term highlights the person's role in actively influencing others, especially in marketing or social contexts.

power broker

This suggests someone who wields significant power and influence, often behind the scenes.

propagandist

This term implies the person is actively spreading propaganda.

operative

This suggests someone who is working covertly to advance an agenda.

mouthpiece

This emphasizes that the person is simply conveying the views of someone else.

political operator

This specifies the person is involved in politics, influencing outcomes through various means.

hidden hand

This phrase suggests a secret and influential force behind events.

puppet master

This describes someone who controls others from behind the scenes.

spin doctor

This refers to someone skilled at manipulating public opinion through carefully crafted messages.

FAQs

How is "agent of influence" typically used in political contexts?

In politics, "agent of influence" often refers to someone who subtly promotes a specific agenda or ideology, potentially on behalf of a foreign power or organization. These individuals may not be formally employed but strategically shape opinions and decisions.

What are some synonyms for "agent of influence"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "key influencer", "propagandist", or "political operator". The best choice depends on the specific nuances you want to convey.

Is being an "agent of influence" inherently negative?

Not necessarily. While the term often carries negative connotations, it simply describes someone who can affect the opinions or actions of others. Whether this is positive or negative depends on the intent and impact of their influence.

How does an "agent of influence" differ from a spy?

An "agent of influence" primarily aims to shape opinions and policies, often through public or semi-public means. A spy, on the other hand, focuses on gathering secret information, typically through clandestine activities. According to Ludwig AI, if it is kept secret, then it's got nothing to do with agent of influence; it's got to do with a spy.