be open to influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be open to influence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to be receptive to new ideas, perspectives, or suggestions from others. Example: "In order to grow as a leader, it's important to be open to influence from your team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But many parents who've delayed or refused vaccinations on behalf of their children without a medical reason to do so might be open to influence.

The New York Times

These areas may be open to influence by individual factors in both the patient and the assessing clinician(s) [ 13] and it has been argued that capacity determination is intrinsically value laden [ 14], in line with many aspects of decision making in psychiatry [ 15].

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was open to influence, intellectually mobile and properly curious.

The Guardian - Books

Justices are human, and are open to influence by public events and political pressure.

The New York Times

The nouveau roman (French: "new novel") was open to influence from works being written abroad, notably by William Faulkner, and from the cinema.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One would have to believe that the American legal system was open to influence from politics and money to think that switching ownership would help.

The Economist

The group has been criticized for being unwilling to open its membership to journalists from major publications abroad and for being open to influence from Hollywood studios eager to cater to the group.

The New York Times

The Foreign Press Association members have been criticized in the past for being open to influence by Hollywood studios because they are annually wined and dined by aspirants to the awards and because they are such a small group of voters.

The New York Times

After all, the few owners who are on Twitter are less likely to reveal internal disagreements than such a large, far-flung group of players who are open to influence from families and friends back home during the off-season.

The New York Times - Sports

Over the years, the board leaned more heavily on the discretionary awards — and not just in emergency cases — drawing questions about whether the process was open to influence by politically connected developers.

The New York Times

He himself was open to influences from all over Europe.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional settings, encourage colleagues to "be open to influence" from diverse perspectives to foster innovation and inclusivity.

Common error

Avoid using "be open to influence" when implying a complete lack of independent thought or critical judgment. Overusing this phrase can suggest a lack of decisiveness or a tendency to be easily manipulated. Prefer alternatives like "be receptive to input" or "be guided by" if that's your intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be open to influence" functions as a predicative expression, indicating a state of receptiveness or willingness to be affected by external factors or suggestions. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be open to influence" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression, according to Ludwig AI, used to encourage receptivity to new ideas and perspectives. While not extremely common, its presence in reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Encyclopedia Britannica suggests its relevance across various contexts. Consider the connotations and potential implications before using the phrase. Alternative phrases like "be receptive to input" or "be amenable to suggestion" may be preferable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be receptive to input

This alternative focuses on actively receiving and considering suggestions or information.

be amenable to suggestion

This suggests a willingness to accept suggestions, often implying a cooperative attitude.

be responsive to feedback

This emphasizes a willingness to adjust based on feedback received, often in a professional or developmental context.

be flexible

This alternative focuses on the adaptability and willingness to change or adjust.

be susceptible to persuasion

This highlights the vulnerability to being convinced or swayed by others.

be easily swayed

This emphasizes the ease with which someone's opinion or decision can be changed.

be impressionable

This implies a strong susceptibility to external influences, especially in youth or naivety.

be guided by

This highlights an intention to have external influences to lead or control actions.

be ready to learn

This implies an openness to acquiring new knowledge and perspectives from various sources.

be pliable

This denotes the ability to be easily bent, influenced, or controlled.

FAQs

How can I encourage someone to "be open to influence" without sounding condescending?

Frame your suggestion positively, emphasizing the benefits of considering different perspectives. For example, say, "I believe our project could benefit if we're open to influence from the marketing team" rather than implying they are currently closed off.

What does it mean to "be open to influence" in a negotiation?

In a negotiation, "be open to influence" means being willing to consider the other party's arguments and potentially adjust your position. It does not mean conceding entirely, but rather finding mutually beneficial solutions.

Is there a difference between "be open to influence" and "be easily swayed"?

Yes, "be open to influence" implies a thoughtful consideration of different viewpoints, while "be easily swayed" suggests a lack of critical thinking and a tendency to change one's mind without careful evaluation.

In what situations is it not advisable to "be open to influence"?

It may not be advisable to "be open to influence" when dealing with unethical or harmful suggestions, or when facing pressure to compromise your values or principles. Always prioritize ethical considerations and personal integrity.