exert its influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exert its influence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the way something (such as a person's actions or a particular event) has an effect on a situation. For example: "The recent news coverage of the scandal exerted its influence, leading to the resignation of the company's CEO."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While the Chinese government does not meddle in the corporation's daily affairs, it will exert its influence if it suits the government's self-interest.

Huffington Post

"Yet even if girls stray from the prescribed script, doesn't it exert its influence?

The New York Times - Books

The critics' theory is that Pakistan feels the Taliban are ultimately going to be back in charge of Afghanistan, and it wants a friendly neighbour over which it can exert its influence.

BBC

But it can exert its influence on those states that seek to eliminate them.

Huffington Post

By definition, 3'UTR variation does not affect the protein product; hence, it ought to exert its influence on the level of transcripts.

Plosone

Russia has been somewhat more critical of Mr. Assad in recent weeks, but it has done little to exert its influence while Syrians continue to be slaughtered.

The New York Times

If so, because germ plasm is maternally inherited, it would be expected to exert its influence exclusively in the early stages of development.

Development (Cambridge)

I think the less influence we have on world events, it presents more opportunity for evil to exert its influence.

Huffington Post

As a recovering alcoholic and drug abuser, it seems as if Rimalower's addictive personality can exert its influence on other areas of his life.

Huffington Post

Rather, BRCA1 appears to exert its influence on transcription as a cofactor or adaptor, because it can interact with both DNA-binding transcription factors and the RNA Pol II holoenzyme.

Breast Cancer Research

The church, moreover, although still seeking to exert its influence, has ceased to dominate civil life in the way it once did.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exert its influence", ensure the subject clearly identifies the entity doing the influencing and the object or area being influenced for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "exert its influence" when the subject lacks the capacity or authority to affect the outcome. Be sure that the subject has a demonstrable connection to the influenced entity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exert its influence" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of something or someone using their power or authority to affect a situation or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exert its influence" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe the action of something or someone using their power or authority to affect a situation or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, indicating its versatility and reliability. When using this phrase, ensure the subject clearly identifies the entity doing the influencing and the object or area being influenced for clarity. Consider alternatives such as "wield its power" or "exercise its authority" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Wield its power

Emphasizes the possession and active use of power, often in a more direct or forceful manner than "exert its influence".

Exercise its authority

Focuses on the use of formal or legitimate power, suggesting a right or mandate to influence.

Make its presence felt

Highlights the impact or effect of something, often suggesting a noticeable or significant change.

Exert its control

Suggests a more direct and potentially restrictive form of influence, implying dominance or command.

Bring to bear its weight

Implies using one's full strength or resources to influence a situation or outcome.

Have its sway

Indicates a gentle or persuasive influence, often subtle and pervasive.

Bring its impact

Emphasizes the effect of something, focusing on the resulting change or consequence.

Leave its mark

Highlights the lasting or memorable effect of something, suggesting a permanent alteration.

Have bearing on

Indicates relevance or connection to a particular matter, suggesting an indirect influence.

Play its part

Suggests contributing to an outcome, but may not necessarily imply a dominant or controlling influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "exert its influence" to describe how something affects or shapes a situation. For example: "The media can exert its influence on public opinion."

What are some alternatives to "exert its influence"?

Alternatives include "wield its power", "exercise its authority", or "have its sway", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "exert its influence" and "exercise its influence"?

While similar, "exert its influence" suggests a more active and direct application of influence, whereas "exercise its influence" implies a more controlled or legitimate use of power.

Which is more formal: "exert its influence" or "have its effect"?

"Exert its influence" is generally considered more formal than "have its effect", which is a simpler and more general way to describe impact.