an influence on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an influence on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an effect or impact that one thing has on another thing. For example, "The wind has had an influence on the direction of the boat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pollan was an influence on Waters.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He certainly had an influence on me.

The Guardian - Film

Was that an influence on the story?

The New Yorker

She's had such an influence on me.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was definitely an influence on Fightstar.

The Guardian - Music

He is such an influence on the young players.

The Guardian - Sport

I definitely think that had an influence on me.

The New York Times - Arts

But Brexit doesn't have an influence on our neighbourhood policy".

The Guardian

Is Freudian psychology an influence on your work?

The New Yorker

Cold Chisel has certainly had an influence on Quilty's art.

The Guardian - Arts

And that can have an influence on freshness.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an influence on", ensure the relationship between the influencing factor and the affected subject is clear and direct. For instance, specify what exactly is being influenced and how.

Common error

Avoid vague references when discussing influence. Instead of saying "Politics had an influence on the decision", specify which political factors were influential and how they affected the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an influence on" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in indicating a relationship where one thing affects another. This phrase often modifies nouns or clauses, specifying what is being influenced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

34%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an influence on" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote an effect or impact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, primarily in news, science, and academic writing. While alternatives such as "a bearing on" or "an impact on" exist, "an influence on" provides a general way to express how something affects something else. Remember to clearly identify the influencing factor and the subject being influenced for maximum clarity. Finally, based on Ludwig examples, make sure to be aware that although all alternatives are correct, some are more suitable to different contexts than others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an effect on

Emphasizes the result or consequence of something, which is a direct consequence of influence.

an impact on

Highlights the force or significance of the influence, indicating a notable effect.

a bearing on

Focuses on the relevance or connection something has to a particular outcome or situation, shifting from direct influence to relevance.

an effect upon

A more formal version of "an effect on", implying a direct consequence or change.

an impact upon

A more formal version of "an impact on", suggesting a significant effect or change.

a role in

Implies participation or involvement, which can often lead to influence, but does not necessarily suggest direct control.

a contribution to

Emphasizes the act of giving or adding to something, suggesting influence through positive addition or support.

a sway over

Highlights the persuasive power or control one thing has over another, implying a subtle yet effective influence.

a control over

Suggests the power to direct or determine something, a stronger form of influence.

a hand in

Suggests involvement or participation in something, often implying influence or responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "an influence on" in a sentence?

You can use "an influence on" to indicate that something has an effect on something else. For example, "The weather had "an influence on" the crops".

What are some alternatives to using "an influence on"?

Some alternatives include "a bearing on", "an effect on", or "an impact on". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "influence on" or "influence over"?

While both are correct, "influence on" typically refers to a general effect, while "influence over" suggests more direct control or persuasion. Thus the difference is that one refers to the general effect and the other to a direct control.

What part of speech is "an influence on"?

"An influence on" is a prepositional phrase, typically functioning as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun.