exercising influence over

USAGE SUMMARY

"exercising influence over" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when discussing someone or something that has the power to sway decisions or opinion. For example, "The powerful CEO was exercising influence over the board of directors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

She is quoted as telling a close friend: "It's not my exercising influence over him.

The New York Times - Books

Worse, they skewed the deals by exercising influence over what securities went into the C.D.O.'s, and they pushed for the worst possible stuff to be included.

The New York Times

Bruenig explains that the public could vote with those shares through companies' websites, exercising influence over how they want companies to behave.  .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

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

In the latter years of the ElBaradei administration, DDG Waller has not always exercised influence over programmatic areas or staffing as the USG had hoped.

The Guardian

Pohl has in the past been able to exercise influence over Joint Task Force-Guantanamo over questions concerning the movement of detainees into his courtroom, but the Baluchi team's gambit would test the relationship between the taskforce and the commissions.

The Guardian

Experts on immigration law and child psychology say that, with a 6-year-old boy, whoever exercises influence over him will ultimately win the custody battle, which is really what the asylum hearing is about.

The New York Times

That this was probably an illusion — that so far no laws seem to have been broken, that the Clinton Foundation donors have not exercised influence over the State Department — does not alleviate their cynicism.

The New Yorker

But the amounts involved, and subsequent revelations of how some of India's richest men sought to exercise influence over political appointments and regulatory decisions, have surprised a nation seemingly inured to reports of corruption in politics.

The New York Times

(Andy Warhol's portrait of Red Lenin was one of the last objects Berezovsky sold before his death).Berezovsky masterminded the plan to pitch Mr Putin as Yeltsin's successor, convinced that he would continue to exercise influence over him.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exercising influence over", ensure the context clearly indicates the scope and nature of the influence. Be specific about how the influence is exerted and its intended or actual effects.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the degree of influence. Use specific examples or evidence to support claims that someone is "exercising influence over" a situation or person.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercising influence over" functions as a verb phrase, where "exercising" is a present participle acting as a verb, and "influence" serves as the noun object of the verb. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exercising influence over" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes the action of affecting decisions, opinions, or behaviors. It appears most frequently in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the nature and scope of the influence being exerted. While alternatives like "exerting influence on" and "wielding power over" exist, "exercising influence over" is a versatile and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exerting influence on

Implies a direct application of power to affect something.

wielding power over

Suggests a more forceful and overt exercise of control.

exerting control over

Indicates direct management and regulation.

affecting

A more general term indicating an impact without specifying the means.

impacting

Similar to affecting, but often implies a more significant effect.

guiding

Suggests leading or directing through advice or influence.

shaping

Indicates a role in forming or influencing the development of something.

swaying

Implies persuading someone to a particular viewpoint.

dominating

Suggests a position of strength and authority.

governing

Indicates formal rule and authority.

FAQs

What does "exercising influence over" mean?

The phrase "exercising influence over" means having an effect on someone or something, often in a subtle or indirect way. It implies having the power to sway decisions, opinions, or actions.

How can I use "exercising influence over" in a sentence?

You might say, "The lobbyist was accused of "exercising influence over" the senator's vote" or "The media is often criticized for "exercising influence over" public opinion."

What are some alternatives to "exercising influence over"?

Alternatives include "exerting influence on", "wielding power over", or "exerting control over". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "exercising influence over" or "exerting influence over"?

Both "exercising influence over" and "exerting influence over" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Exercising" might suggest a more regular or habitual action, while "exerting" may imply a more forceful or deliberate application of influence. In most contexts, they are interchangeable.