be a positive influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be a positive influence' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to encourage someone to have a positive impact on others or their environment. For example, "You have the power to be a positive influence on the world. Don't forget to use it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most important, they realize and cultivate the potential in others to be a positive influence regardless of their position.

Huffington Post

Jones says he studies Tiger Woods for clues on how to be a positive influence.

The New York Times - Sports

Charkawi explains the small, easy ways someone can be a positive influence in their community.

The Guardian

Scott said he believed Mourning could be a positive influence in the locker room.

The New York Times - Sports

Religions can be a positive influence on culture, art and science.

The Guardian

They said Lewis would be a positive influence as London grappled with an alarming increase in gang-related teenage deaths.

The Guardian

"Growing up in a neighborhood like mine, I always had to be a positive influence on the youth," she said.

The New York Times

"If grain prices stay down," he said, "that could be a positive influence on earnings potential for next year".

The New York Times

Sports can be a positive influence in the life of a teenager, teaching self-discipline and boosting self-esteem.

The New York Times

"I was like, hopefully they can learn from, you know, her ways, and I can be a positive influence".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If nothing else, they believed, Meche could be a positive influence for a young roster.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "be a positive influence", identify specific actions or behaviors that align with your values and the needs of those you wish to impact. Consider mentoring, volunteering, or simply offering support and encouragement to others.

Common error

Avoid the trap of thinking that "being a positive influence" requires large-scale, infrequent actions. Consistent, small acts of kindness, support, and ethical behavior often have a more profound and lasting impact on those around you.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a positive influence" functions as an imperative phrase that expresses a desirable quality or action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

14%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be a positive influence" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that encourages individuals to have a beneficial impact. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Academic, and Wiki contexts, denoting a neutral register suitable for various situations. To achieve this, focus on consistent small actions rather than infrequent grand gestures. Consider alternative phrases like "make a positive contribution" or "have a beneficial impact" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a beneficial impact

Replaces "influence" with "impact" and "positive" with "beneficial", focusing on the result of the action.

make a positive contribution

Shifts the focus to the act of contributing, emphasizing the proactive nature of the positive effect.

exert a positive effect

Replaces "influence" with "effect" and uses "exert" to highlight the application of positive power.

have a good effect

Simplifies the language by using "good" instead of "positive", maintaining a similar meaning.

set a good example

Focuses on inspiring others through one's own actions, which implicitly creates a positive influence.

be a force for good

This alternative emphasizes the strength and power behind the positive influence, suggesting a more active and intentional role.

leave a positive mark

This emphasizes a lasting, memorable positive influence.

promote positive change

Focuses on advocating for and facilitating positive developments.

have an uplifting effect

Highlights the inspiring and encouraging aspect of a positive influence.

encourage positive outcomes

Shifts the focus to fostering an environment that leads to favorable results.

FAQs

How can I "be a positive influence" in my community?

You can "be a positive influence" by volunteering your time, supporting local businesses, advocating for positive change, and simply being a kind and considerate neighbor.

What are some synonyms for "be a positive influence"?

Some alternatives include "make a positive contribution", "have a beneficial impact", or "set a good example".

How does "being a positive influence" differ from simply being nice?

"Being a positive influence" involves actively and intentionally contributing to the well-being and betterment of others or a situation, while being nice is more about being pleasant and agreeable.

What are some examples of people who "be a positive influence" in history?

Historical figures like Nelson Mandela, Marie Curie, and Mahatma Gandhi are often cited as examples of individuals who "be a positive influence" through their actions and advocacy.