exercise influence on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercise influence on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of affecting or shaping someone's thoughts, behaviors, or decisions. Example: "The media can exercise influence on public opinion, shaping how people perceive important issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

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

And by definition, fewer senior executives in broader roles means more opportunities to exercise influence on the business.

Harvard Business Review

It's about how you exercise influence on an issue by issue, vote by vote basis throughout the entirety of a parliament".

The Guardian

Our political masters are quite happy to reduce the size of the armed forces, but their appetite to exercise influence on the world stage is, quite understandably, the same as it has always been.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Yet there is no evidence that he exercised influence on any significant policy issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

He presumably supported the Bush administration over Iraq in the hope of exercising influence on its policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kubaisi understood the constraints, and he is vague about what he proposed, saying only that he exercised influence on al-Nusra through other rebel groups in the area.

The New Yorker

Plotina exercised influence on both her husband Trajan and his successor Hadrian.

Wikipedia

These men didn't exercise strong influence on world events, but found their power in ideas.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exercise influence on" when you want to emphasize the active application of power or authority to affect a particular outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "exercise influence on" when the effect is minimal or uncertain. Overstating influence can weaken your argument. Consider alternatives like "affect" or "contribute to" for milder impacts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise influence on" functions as a verb phrase, where "exercise" acts as a transitive verb taking "influence" as its object. It typically describes the action of actively using one's power or authority to affect something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

12.5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6.25%

Wiki

6.25%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exercise influence on" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes the act of actively affecting or shaping someone or something. According to Ludwig AI, it's applicable across a range of contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and science. While alternatives like "exert influence over" or "have an impact on" exist, "exercise influence on" emphasizes the deliberate application of power or authority. When using this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects the degree and nature of the influence being exerted. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert influence over

Focuses more on the active application of influence.

have an impact on

Indicates a broader effect, not necessarily intentional.

wield influence on

Emphasizes the power and control aspect of influence.

bring pressure to bear on

Suggests a more forceful and direct application of influence.

shape the opinion of

Focuses specifically on influencing someone's beliefs.

sway the decision of

Targets the influencing of choices or judgments.

affect the course of

Implies an influence that changes the direction of events.

have a say in

Indicates a right or ability to influence a decision.

leave its mark on

Focuses on the lasting effect of influence.

play a role in

Suggests a contribution to an outcome, not necessarily dominant.

FAQs

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

You can use "exercise influence on" to describe the act of actively affecting someone or something. For example, "The media can "exercise influence on" public opinion".

What is a good alternative to "exercise influence on"?

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

Is it better to say "exercise influence on" or "exert influence on"?

Both "exercise influence on" and "exert influence on" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Exert" often implies a more direct or forceful application of influence, while "exercise" can suggest a more routine or legitimate use of influence.

What's the difference between "exercise influence on" and "have influence on"?

"Exercise influence on" suggests an active and intentional application of influence. "Have influence on" simply indicates that someone or something possesses the capacity to affect someone or something else, regardless of intent or active use. It is more passive.