exercise influence

USAGE SUMMARY

"exercise influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone using their power or status to bring about change, or affect an outcome. For example: "The mayor actively sought to exercise influence on the local school board."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Does exercise influence the body's internal clock?

The New York Times

You could even exercise influence by lending your stuff.

The Guardian - Books

Can exercise influence how angry you become in certain situations?

The New York Times

But community school boards would still exercise influence over the city's elementary and middle schools.

The New York Times

But many South Koreans assume that he continues to exercise influence over the chaebol.

The Economist

He later came to exercise influence on the queen but was eventually removed from court.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This was someone who we felt had the chance to exercise influence, or escape and publicly humiliate the regime.

The Guardian

The two businessmen hired Mr. Corbin, husband of Grant's sister, Virginia, to exercise influence on the White House.

The New York Times

But Mrs. Duhalde has pressed on undeterred, confident that it is her destiny to exercise influence even without a title.

The New York Times

He added: "It is to be hoped, however, that Ratzinger will not exercise influence on the choice of his successor".

The Guardian

Mr. Balaguer could still be in a position to exercise influence should his party come in second in the vote.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exercise influence", clearly state the area or context in which the influence is being exerted to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example: "The organization can exercise influence over environmental policy."

Common error

Avoid overstating the extent of the influence. It's more accurate to say someone "exercises influence" rather than "completely controls" a situation, as the former acknowledges potential limitations or countervailing forces.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise influence" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of using one's power or authority to affect a situation or outcome. This usage is confirmed by Ludwig and is demonstrated in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exercise influence" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe the act of using one's power or authority to affect a situation. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase appears frequently in various contexts, especially in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science. To use the phrase effectively, it's best to clearly specify the area of influence. Keep in mind that it's more precise to acknowledge the act of exerting influence rather than claiming complete control. Alternatives such as "exert influence" and "wield influence" can add nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert influence

Replaces "exercise" with "exert", implying a more active or forceful application of influence.

wield influence

Substitutes "exercise" with "wield", suggesting a skillful or powerful handling of influence.

exert control

Shifts the focus from influence to control, implying a more direct form of power.

have an impact

Replaces "exercise influence" with a broader term indicating any kind of effect or consequence.

bring to bear

Implies using resources or abilities to achieve a specific effect or result.

affect the outcome

Focuses on the result of influence, rather than the act of exerting it.

shape the opinion

Specific type of influence related to beliefs and attitudes.

sway decision-making

Focuses on influencing choices or judgments.

have say in

Indicates having a voice or input in a decision or process.

pull strings

An informal expression implying the use of hidden influence or connections.

FAQs

How can I use "exercise influence" in a sentence?

You can use "exercise influence" to describe the act of using one's power or authority to affect a situation or decision. For example: "The senator can "exert influence" over the committee's decisions".

What are some alternatives to "exercise influence"?

Some alternatives to "exercise influence" include "exert influence", "wield influence", or "have an impact", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "exercise influence" or "exert influence"?

Both "exercise influence" and "exert influence" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, although "exert" may suggest a slightly more forceful application of influence.

Can you "exercise influence" without having authority?

Yes, you can "exercise influence" through various means, such as persuasion, expertise, or social connections, even without formal authority. It can "sway decision-making".