be influenced by something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be influenced by something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how one thing affects or shapes another, often in contexts like decision-making, behavior, or opinions. Example: "Her artistic style is often influenced by the works of famous painters from the Renaissance period."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Our judgment of a person's character can be influenced by something as simple as the warmth of the drink we hold in our hand.

Yale University

We are not gullible businesspeople whose stature can be influenced by something as frivolous as the name on a label.

Science Magazine

To be influenced by something, you're gonna have to play it the same".

Wikipedia

You are bound to be influenced by something that affects you every day.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The fish may be moving in response to some instinct, or they may be being influenced by something they are learning while they travel.

The New Yorker

It's about them coming up with the theme for the week, and that might have been influenced by something that happened to their friends, something they've seen in the newspaper or on TV.

The Guardian

The worst we expect to hear from the saddlebred community is private gripes that maybe some judge was influenced by something other than which leg a horse led with.

The New York Times

His eyes begin to roll before I have even started to ask: at what point is being influenced by something celebratory, and at what point is it cultural pickpocketing?

The Guardian - Music

Even if a musician hasn't heard Howl, they're part of its ecosystem, because it's one of the building blocks of modern rock'n'roll: you may not have been influenced by Howl, but you've been influenced by something it influences.

The Guardian - Music

Lemon-colored and -shaped pieces of canvas, similar to the ones in "The Den," embellished the perimeter, but those shapes are influenced by something different: a yellow toy he had in the studio called a Keepon, used to help autistic children interact.

The New York Times - Arts

How many times has your buying decision been influenced by something other than the price tag?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be influenced by something", ensure the influencing factor is clearly identified to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "be influenced by something" without specifying what the 'something' is, as it can lead to ambiguity and weaken the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be influenced by something" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject receives influence from an external source. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in contexts where decisions, behaviors, or outcomes are shaped by various factors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be influenced by something" is a versatile expression used to denote the impact of external factors on a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across varied contexts, including academia, news, and general discussions. While interchangeable alternatives like "be affected by" and "be shaped by" exist, the core meaning of external influence remains consistent. When using this phrase, clarity is key; always specify the influencing 'something' to avoid ambiguity. With its common usage and clear meaning, "be influenced by something" remains a valuable asset in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be affected by something

Focuses on the impact or effect rather than the guiding force.

be shaped by something

Implies a more formative or defining influence.

be molded by something

Suggests a strong, often intentional, influence.

be determined by something

Indicates that something is decided or controlled by an external factor.

be contingent on something

Highlights the dependency of something on another factor.

be dictated by something

Implies a forceful and controlling influence.

be subject to something

Suggests vulnerability or susceptibility to influence.

be governed by something

Indicates that rules or principles are influenced by a certain thing.

be under the sway of something

Suggests a powerful and persuasive influence.

be impacted by something

Highlights the consequence of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "be influenced by something" to indicate that an entity or concept is affected or shaped by an external factor. For example: "Decisions can "be influenced by" personal biases."

What are some alternatives to "be influenced by something"?

Alternatives include "be affected by", "be shaped by", or "be impacted by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both are correct, but "be influenced by" implies a guiding or persuasive effect, while "be affected by" simply indicates an impact or change. The choice depends on the specific context.

Can "be influenced by something" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "be influenced by something" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure that the sentence structure is clear and the influencing factor is well-defined.