be influenced by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be influenced by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe how someone or something is affected or shaped by external factors or opinions. Example: "Her decision to pursue a career in medicine was influenced by her mother's profession as a doctor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we must be influenced by facts.

The Guardian - Opinion

I can't even be influenced by critics.

The New York Times

It can also be influenced by seasons, it seems.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The inquiry's timescale will be influenced by the Maxwellisation process".

The Guardian

Did you intend to be influenced by this?

The New York Times

People without hope, he argues, can be influenced by terrorists.

The New York Times

"I didn't want to be influenced by anything," he says.

The New York Times

Who on earth is supposed to be influenced by it?

The Guardian

The superdelegates can also be influenced by the primaries.

The New York Times

It is impossible not to be influenced by Picasso".

The New York Times

"Anyone can't help but be influenced by free treatment.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be influenced by", ensure that the sentence clearly identifies both the subject being influenced and the source of the influence for clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice with "be influenced by", as it can sometimes obscure the agent responsible for the influence. Consider rephrasing to use an active voice construction for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be influenced by" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject is acted upon by an external force. Ludwig examples show it describing how decisions, opinions, or outcomes are shaped by various factors. As Ludwig AI confirms, this structure is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be influenced by" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something or someone is affected by an external factor. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While "be influenced by" is generally acceptable, it's essential to ensure clarity by identifying both the subject being influenced and the source of the influence. When appropriate, consider using active voice constructions or alternatives like "be affected by" or "be shaped by" to enhance the directness and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be affected by

Uses a more general term indicating an impact without necessarily implying guidance or persuasion.

be shaped by

Suggests a formative impact, implying a change in form or character.

be swayed by

Emphasizes the persuasive aspect of the influence.

be impacted by

Similar to "be affected by" but often used to describe a more significant or forceful effect.

be determined by

Implies that the outcome is decided or controlled by the influencing factor.

be conditioned by

Suggests a process of learning or adaptation in response to the influencing factor.

be molded by

Similar to "be shaped by" but often implies a more forceful or deliberate shaping process.

be guided by

Emphasizes the role of the influencing factor as a source of direction or advice.

be led by

Suggests a following or adherence to the influencing factor.

be subject to

Indicates a state of being under the control or authority of the influencing factor.

FAQs

How can I use "be influenced by" in a sentence?

Use "be influenced by" to indicate that something or someone is affected or changed by an external factor. For example, "Her decision was "affected by" the advice of her mentor".

What are some alternatives to "be influenced by"?

You can use alternatives such as "be affected by", "be shaped by", or "be swayed by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be influenced by" or "affect"?

While "be influenced by" implies a more indirect effect, "affect" is a more direct action. For example, instead of "He was influenced by the book", you could say "The book "affected" him greatly".

What does it mean to "be influenced by" something?

To "be influenced by" something means that your thoughts, actions, or decisions are affected or guided by it. This could be a person, an idea, an event, or any other external factor.