exercising their influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercising their influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of using power or authority to affect decisions or outcomes in a particular context. Example: "The lobbyists were successful in exercising their influence over the legislative process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"They keep exercising their influence in subtle ways," she said.

The New York Times

They were exercising their influence over the economy in a way that restricted competition and deters foreign investment.

The New York Times

The telephone episode points up the challenge of trying to stop these two seasoned politicians from exercising their influence from their cells.

The New York Times

But in exercising their influence they frequently caused confusion by rivaling the authority of the district party organizations, and they often conflicted with the kolkhoz management, which controlled the labour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In that sense, these different groups of stakeholders will have their say and exercise their influence.

The Economist

Bike messengers, neopunks, Rastafarians and gym fanatics have all exercised their influence on fashion, in some obvious and vital ways.

The New York Times - Style

Yet even after these ceased as objects of devotion in the post-Constantinian period, they continued to exercise their influence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The second is the extent to which women are excluded from the factional power bases that exercise their influence during reshuffles.

The Guardian

Confronting an opponent that is often fragmented and weak, big polluters have an incentive to stonewall, obfuscate, and exercise their influence over local politicians and judges.

The New Yorker

Each of the camp's 12 sections is headed by local leaders, many of whom do not hesitate to exercise their influence through violence.

The New York Times

As we talked outside in the sun the week before he died, Nafeh repeatedly boasted of the powerful men who exercised their influence on his behalf.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exercising their influence" when you want to emphasize the active and intentional use of power or authority to achieve a particular result. It implies a conscious effort to shape outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "exercising their influence" when the effect is unintentional or coincidental. The phrase denotes a deliberate act, so ensure the context reflects this intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercising their influence" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun within a sentence. It describes the action of using one's power or authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is perfectly usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exercising their influence" is a grammatically sound and generally accepted expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes the deliberate act of using power or authority to shape decisions or outcomes. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. To avoid misuse, ensure the context reflects a conscious and intentional effort to exert control. Alternatives like "exerting their power" or "wielding their authority" can be considered for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exerting their power

This phrase replaces 'influence' with 'power', emphasizing a more direct and forceful application of authority.

wielding their authority

This phrase substitutes 'influence' with 'authority', suggesting a formal and recognized right to control or command.

bringing their weight to bear

This idiom implies applying significant pressure or resources to achieve a specific outcome.

exerting control over

This phrase focuses on the aspect of direct management and command, rather than subtle persuasion.

bringing pressure to bear

This highlights the act of applying stress or coercion to influence decisions or actions.

pulling strings

This idiom suggests using hidden influence or connections to manipulate events.

having their say

This phrase indicates the act of expressing opinions and contributing to a decision-making process.

calling the shots

This idiom conveys the power to make decisions and direct actions.

making an impact

This focuses on the effect of their actions, rather than the deliberate exertion of influence.

making their presence felt

This describes creating a noticeable effect through actions or presence, often implying a strong impact.

FAQs

What does "exercising their influence" mean?

The phrase "exercising their influence" refers to the act of using one's power, authority, or connections to affect decisions, actions, or outcomes. It implies a deliberate effort to shape events or sway opinions.

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

You can use "exercising their influence" to describe how individuals, groups, or organizations use their power to achieve a specific goal. For example: "Lobbyists were accused of "exerting undue influence" over the legislative process."

What are some alternatives to "exercising their influence"?

Alternatives include "exerting their power", "wielding their authority", or "bringing pressure to bear", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it different from "exert influence"?

"Exercising their influence" emphasizes the active and ongoing nature of using influence, while "exert influence" is a more general term referring to the action of applying influence. The former suggests a process, while the latter is a single action.