covert influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "covert influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or hidden way of affecting someone's thoughts, behaviors, or decisions without their awareness. Example: "The organization employed covert influence to sway public opinion on the issue without revealing their involvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

It is the deployment of covert influence to subvert the disciplines of the market and revenue.

The Guardian - Opinion

We need to launch serious efforts to track and counter covert influence campaigns and disinformation.

The Washington Post

Yet Australia, so dependent on China economically, has sounded the alert about "sharp power" and covert influence operations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Russia's hacking of the US election was "the most successful covert influence campaign in history," he said.

The Guardian

The latter, whose literary mantra was "The only art is to omit", might be another covert influence on The Children Act.

The Guardian - Books

All this overt activity was but a prelude to the major, more covert, influence he was to exert on two successive Liberal leaders - David Steel and Paddy Ashdown.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

In the Book Review, Susan Pinker called this book an "entertaining romp through covert influences on human behavior".

The New York Times - Books

His entertaining romp through covert influences on human behavior began as a series of columns, and true to its genesis, it reads as vivid reportage overlaid with a sampling of science.

The New York Times - Books

However, as we all know money talks, and we have every confidence that sheer economics (perhaps even covert influences) will ensure that fuel prices maintain sustainable levels.

Forbes

Inconsistencies between the semi-structured interview data (covert influences on behaviour) and the structured data (overt influences on feeding behaviour), or changes in the person(s) nominated as significant around the three pivotal points were explored.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Senior officials were also skeptical that covert-influence operations would be effective at punishing and deterring Russia's President Vladimir Putin.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific contexts, employ "covert influence" to denote hidden factors or variables that affect experimental outcomes or biological processes.

Common error

Avoid using "covert influence" when describing direct or openly acknowledged actions. The term specifically implies hidden or subtle methods.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "covert influence" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a type of action or effect that is characterized by its hidden or subtle nature. As shown in Ludwig, it's used to describe actions designed to affect outcomes discreetly.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "covert influence" is a noun phrase used to describe hidden or subtle actions aimed at affecting outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific discussions. The frequency of its occurrence is common. When using this phrase, ensure you are accurately portraying the secretive or indirect nature of the influence. Alternatives include "hidden persuasion" or "secret manipulation", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hidden persuasion

Focuses on the subtle act of convincing someone.

indirect effect

Focuses on the lack of a direct causal link.

secret manipulation

Highlights the manipulative aspect being concealed.

veiled pressure

Suggests indirect force being applied.

implicit control

Highlights the underlying power dynamic.

underhanded sway

Emphasizes the deceitful nature of the influence.

backdoor influence

Suggests a clandestine or unconventional means of persuasion.

subtle coercion

Highlights the element of forcing someone's will without obvious actions.

latent impact

Stresses the delayed or not immediately obvious effect.

unseen hand

Implies a mysterious or anonymous force at work.

FAQs

How can "covert influence" be used in a sentence?

"Covert influence" describes subtle or hidden ways of affecting thoughts or actions, as in: "The campaign used "covert influence" to sway voters."

What's a good alternative for "covert influence"?

Depending on the context, you might use "hidden persuasion", "secret manipulation", or "underhanded sway" as alternatives to "covert influence".

Is it better to say "covert influence" or "indirect influence"?

"Covert influence" implies secrecy and hidden methods, while "indirect influence" simply suggests a lack of a direct causal link. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the hidden nature of the action.

What are some examples of "covert influence" in politics?

Examples of "covert influence" in politics include disinformation campaigns, lobbying through intermediaries, and funding think tanks to promote specific agendas.