exert on something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exert on something" is not correct in English; it should be "exert influence on something" or "exert pressure on something." You can use it when discussing the act of applying force, influence, or pressure to a particular subject or object.
Example: "The organization aims to exert influence on policy decisions that affect the community."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Specifically, it measures the forces that particles of a body exert on one another.

Vice

Sorensen asks us to imagine a third agent, Lori, who performs the same kind of donation for the same reasons, but who exerts an amount of effort intermediate between that exerted by Janette and Nigel: "Lori feels a variety of self-interested desires to keep the money or spend it on something for herself.

Ethical Theory and Moral Practice

It is his point of departure: the grip that photographic images of the Kennedys exert on the American imagination must be due to something more than the individual pictures themselves.

The New Yorker

Most of us have a sense that low prices in Dubuque have something to do with low wages in Dhaka, but that's just one aspect of the pressure that we as consumers exert on global supply chains.

The New Yorker

"Public opinion is already exerting all the pressure that it can exert on government," Krosnick said.

The Washington Post

How much clout can they exert on others?

The New York Times - Magazine

The pads respond dynamically to the force you exert on them.

TechCrunch

They lack the relentless force of physics, but exert something totally nonphysical: cunning.

The Guardian - Tech

Of the two movies, Scorsese's is infinitely the subtler and more elegantly wrought, patient and pensive where Gibson opts for pugnacity, yet "Hacksaw Ridge" exerts something — a basic grip on the audience, tugging at our nerves and our desire to forge ahead — that "Silence" cannot quite muster.

The New Yorker

These conditions will lead me to think about pressure and the continuous physical force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it for example.

Vice

Senior citizens, whose eyes are especially vulnerable to glaring headlights, should exert pressure on legislators to do something about this.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to convey the idea of applying influence or force, use the phrases "exert influence on something" or "exert pressure on something" for clarity and grammatical correctness. These alternatives ensure that your writing is both precise and easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "exert" directly followed by "on something". Instead, specify what is being exerted, such as "influence", "pressure", or "force", to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity. For instance, prefer "exert influence on the decision" over "exert on the decision".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exert on something" functions as a prepositional phrase, where "exert" is intended as a verb expressing the application of force or influence. However, as Ludwig AI notes, this usage is grammatically questionable because the verb "exert" requires a direct object.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exert on something" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the verb "exert" requires a direct object—such as "influence", "pressure", or "force"—to specify what is being applied. Instead of "exert on something", it's better to use phrases like "exert influence on something" or "exert pressure on something". While the intended meaning is to convey the act of applying force or influence, the ungrammatical nature of the phrase diminishes its effectiveness, particularly in formal contexts. Therefore, opting for grammatically sound alternatives ensures clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert influence on something

This alternative explicitly states that influence is being applied, providing a clearer and more grammatically standard expression.

exert pressure on something

This alternative explicitly states that pressure is being applied, providing a clearer and more grammatically standard expression.

apply force to something

This alternative focuses on the physical application of force, differing slightly in context from influence or pressure.

bring to bear on something

This alternative implies focusing resources or influence on a particular target, offering a more figurative meaning.

have an effect on something

This alternative broadens the scope to any kind of effect, which might not involve direct exertion.

impact something

This is a more direct alternative that focuses on the result of the exertion, rather than the act of exerting.

act upon something

This alternative is more general, referring to any kind of action directed towards something.

work on something

This alternative focuses on the effort or labor applied, rather than the exertion of force or influence.

press on something

This alternative suggests continuous effort or insistence on a particular thing.

push on something

This alternative suggests continuous effort or insistence on a particular thing.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "exert" in a sentence?

The verb "exert" typically needs a direct object specifying what is being exerted. Common objects include "influence", "pressure", or "force". For example, "They wanted to "exert influence" on the outcome."

Is it grammatically correct to say "exert on something"?

No, "exert on something" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The verb "exert" requires a direct object to specify what is being exerted before using the preposition "on". It's better to say "exert pressure on something" or "exert influence on something".

What can I use instead of "exert on something" to sound more natural?

To sound more natural, you can use phrases like "apply to something", "have an impact on", or "bring to bear on", depending on the intended meaning.

How does using "exert influence on" differ from simply saying "influence"?

Using "exert influence on" emphasizes the active application or effort to have an effect, whereas simply saying "influence" suggests a more passive or inherent effect. The former implies a deliberate attempt to sway or affect something.