exert over a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exert over a" is not correct in English and does not convey a clear meaning.
It may be intended to express influence or control over something, but the construction is awkward and incomplete. Example: "He tried to exert influence over a decision that was already made."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Just how much sway Iran will exert over a new Iraq is far from clear.

The New York Times

Second, some positions, roles, and titles grant power simply due to the authority or control they exert over a wide range of important outcomes.

Harvard University

In the end, there's only so much control House leaders can exert over a congressman who answers to voters back home.

The New York Times

Yet the velocity of Dickey's knuckleball, which can arrive almost as quickly as a slider, is unique, and helps explain the uncanny control he now seems to exert over a pitch that's notorious for being uncontrollable.

The New Yorker

The cases being brought against Colombo family leaders, for example, touch on the illegal influence they allegedly still exert over a branch of the Cement and Concrete Workers Union.

Independent

I decided long ago that Koons believes what he says, though, and I suspect that this convincing (and obsessive) sincerity, with its roots in bourgeois middle-class values and its rejection of postmodern art theories, is a factor in the magnetic power that these absurd images — some of them, anyway — can exert over a wide gamut of viewers.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The 2008 presidential race proved just how much power minorities and young voters could exert over an election -- these two segments provided rocket fuel for the Obama campaign that year.

Huffington Post

Generally, employers and contractors in the United States are distinguished by the amount of control and direction an employer exerts over the worker.

Huffington Post

[n6] Later it was held that court-martial jurisdiction could be exerted over a dishonorably discharged soldier then a military prisoner serving a sentence imposed by a prior court-martial.

Cornell University

To this aim, detachment results were combined with a theoretical modelling, based on the balance of hydrodynamic forces and torque exerted over a simplified spore model with a spherical form.

International Journal of Food Microbiology

The displacements are induced by uniformly and triangularly distributed horizontal or vertical pressures, which are exerted over a horizontal or vertical rectangular area in the interior of a homogeneous, isotropic, elastic half-space.

Computers and Geotechnics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When intending to convey the idea of influencing or controlling something, use the established phrases "exert influence on" or "exercise control over" for clearer and more grammatically sound communication.

Common error

Avoid using "exert over a". The verb "exert" typically requires the preposition "on" when referring to influence or pressure. The correct forms are "exert influence on" or "exercise control over".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exert over a" attempts to convey the application of influence or control, but it is not grammatically sound. Ludwig AI analysis suggests using alternative and more standard expressions such as "exert influence on" or "exercise control over" to accurately convey the intended meaning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "exert over a" appears in some sources, it is considered grammatically incorrect and can lead to miscommunication. Ludwig AI analysis recommends using established phrases such as "exert influence on" or "exercise control over" instead. These alternatives more accurately and clearly convey the intended meaning of applying pressure or control. Given that the phrase is considered grammatically unsound, particularly in formal writing, it is advisable to adopt standard English expressions for enhanced clarity and credibility. Although present in certain news and academic contexts, the non-standard nature of the phrase does not justify its use over well-established alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert influence on

Grammatically corrected version indicating direct impact.

exercise control over

Highlights the active implementation of control mechanisms.

exert power on

Focuses on the use of direct force or influence.

wield influence over

Emphasizes the possession and application of influence.

exercise authority on

Directly focuses on applying legal or rightful influence.

have authority over

Focuses on the legitimate right to exert control.

hold sway over

Suggests a dominant and pervasive influence.

bring pressure to bear on

Implies the application of force or influence to achieve a specific outcome.

bring influence to bear upon

Formal alternative indicating applying influence for a specific effect.

practice dominion over

Indicates a formal and often extensive control.

FAQs

What is a grammatically correct way to use "exert" to show influence?

The correct phrasing is "exert influence on" or "exercise control over". For example, "The company tried to "exert influence on" the market".

What can I say instead of "exert over a"?

You can use alternatives like ""exert influence on"", "exercise control over", or "wield influence over" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "exert over a" or "exert influence on"?

"Exert influence on" is the correct and grammatically accepted phrasing. "Exert over a" is not standard English usage.

In what contexts can "exert influence on" be used?

"Exert influence on" is appropriate in formal and informal contexts to describe the act of applying pressure or having an effect on someone or something.