exert influence over

USAGE SUMMARY

"exert influence over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about someone having the power to persuade or control someone else or a group of people, or to affect the behavior of those people in some way. For example, "The wealthy investor began to exert influence over the small business owners in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He can exert influence over another three, which the government controls.

The New York Times

Governors in both parties, however, have long sought to exert influence over authorities and commissions.

The New York Times

Shouldn't Congress exert influence over the drug companies, and not the other way around?

The New York Times

--Details of efforts of HAMAS to exert influence over Palestinians to consolidate their support.

The Guardian

But when insurers exert influence over the IoT, they will have access to powerful monitoring abilities.

The Guardian - Tech

By virtue of his position, he also has the ability to exert influence over the three publicly operated national networks.

The New York Times

Records show that when negotiations began, Burlington Northern was in a position to exert influence over Amtrak's affairs.

The New York Times

But he has also said he will continue to exert influence over Russia after the presidential election in March.

The New York Times

Its best hope is that China can exert influence over Pyongyang to return to the negotiating table.

The Guardian

In the past decade, cyber tactics have become an essential component of Russia's efforts to exert influence over its neighbors.

The New Yorker

Ms. Bachmann is by no means the only Tea Party voice moving to exert influence over the new Congress.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exert influence over", specify the target of the influence to provide clarity and context. For example, "exert influence over policy decisions" is more informative than simply "exert influence".

Common error

Avoid using "exert influence over" when the actual impact is minimal or speculative. Use more moderate language if the effect is uncertain or limited.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exert influence over" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of exercising power or control to affect someone or something. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it accurately depicts the act of trying to persuade, control, or shape actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exert influence over" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of actively trying to affect or control someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and accuracy. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating a formal to neutral tone. Alternatives include "wield influence over" and "exercise influence over". When using this phrase, ensure you specify the target of the influence and avoid overstating the actual impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wield influence over

This alternative highlights the skillful and effective use of influence.

exercise influence over

This alternative stresses the act of employing influence.

hold sway over

This alternative means to have great power or influence over someone or something.

exert leverage over

This alternative focuses on using an advantage to achieve a desired outcome.

exert authority over

This alternative emphasizes the formal power or right to control something or someone.

exert control over

This alternative emphasizes direct power and command.

have an impact on

This alternative emphasizes the effect one has on something.

dominate

This alternative means to have controlling power over someone or something.

shape

This alternative suggests a strong impact with the purpose of directing something.

manipulate

This alternative suggests controlling someone or something using devious tactics.

FAQs

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

You can use "exert influence over" to describe the act of using one's power or position to affect someone or something. For example, "The lobbyist tried to exert influence over the senator's vote."

What are some alternatives to "exert influence over"?

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

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

"Exert influence over" is generally preferred when referring to people or groups, while "exert influence on" can be used for broader topics or situations. However, "exert influence over" is more common overall.

In what contexts is "exert influence over" most appropriately used?

"Exert influence over" is frequently used in contexts involving politics, business, and social dynamics, where individuals or organizations attempt to shape the actions or decisions of others. This phrase signals a conscious and active effort to affect outcomes.