exert upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exert upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the influence or impact that one thing has on another. Example: "The teacher's encouragement can exert a positive influence upon her students' performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

All results here were summarized in Additional file 2. We discovered that many enzymes could exert (upon deletion) large influences on the kinetics of many metabolites, i.e. caused large system state fluctuations if deleted.

BMC Systems Biology

The exhibition will examine the influence that one artist may exert upon their partner, and the cross-fertilisation of ideas and techniques.

The Guardian - Arts

"Philosophy, as we use the word, is a fight against the fascination which forms of expression exert upon us," Ludwig Wittgenstein said.

The Economist

J.'s educational advantages and his relatively race-blind milieu of pop culture deprive him of the claim that black characters, from the slave narratives on, traditionally exert upon the American conscience: the heroism that persecution and disadvantage impose.

The New Yorker

Materials made of linear and branched polymers will hold their shape when cooled, owing to the considerable attraction (known as intermolecular forces, or van der Waals forces) that such large molecules exert upon one another.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Or were we on the cusp of "the American Century," defined by Henry Luce, founder of Time Inc., as the nation's manifest right "to exert upon the world the full impact of our influence, for such purposes as we see fit and by such means as we see fit"?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

When a pilot ascends to high altitudes, the pressures exerted upon the body are reduced.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is a deeply felt meditation on the dual influences Iyer's father and Graham Greene exerted upon him.

The New York Times - Books

The check exerted upon insect pests by other insects is an important mechanism of natural control of populations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The stimulation exerted upon the nipples during suckling leads to the transmission of nerve impulses to the hypothalamus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

'We are lucky because our marriage is very strong,' she says, 'but other couples have broken up because of the pressures exerted upon them by their financial problems.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exert upon", ensure the subject performing the action is clearly defined to maintain sentence clarity. For example: "The government can "exert upon" the economy certain fiscal policies."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "exert upon" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "affect" or "influence" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exert upon" functions as a verb phrase followed by a preposition, indicating the action of applying influence, force, or pressure onto something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and used to describe the impact one entity has on another.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exert upon" is a grammatically sound construction used to describe the application of influence or pressure. While considered correct, it leans towards a formal register and is often found in scientific, academic, and news-related contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable, albeit less common than alternatives like "affect" or "influence". When writing, consider your audience and the desired tone to determine if "exert upon" is the most appropriate choice, or if a simpler alternative would be more effective. Remember that while "exert upon" is often interchangeable with "exert on", the former is considered more formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have influence on

This phrase focuses on the effect one thing has on another, rather than the act of applying influence.

have effect on

Emphasizes the resulting impact, rather than the direct action.

exercise on

This alternative uses "exercise" instead of "exert", suggesting a more active or direct application of influence.

wield on

Using "wield" implies a deliberate and controlled application of power or influence.

bring to bear on

This phrase is more formal and suggests applying significant force or influence to achieve a specific result.

apply to

This alternative is a more general term for placing or directing something onto something else.

bring to bear against

Specifically focuses on using influence or force in opposition to something.

impose on

This implies a more forceful or authoritative application of something, often with a negative connotation.

place on

A simple alternative suggesting physical placement or metaphorical emphasis.

put on

This is a more casual alternative, implying application or imposition.

FAQs

What does "exert upon" mean?

The phrase "exert upon" means to apply or bring to bear a force, influence, or pressure on something. It suggests a directed effort to have an effect.

How can I use "exert upon" in a sentence?

You can use "exert upon" to describe how one thing impacts another. For example, "The media can "exert upon" public opinion", or "Gravity "exerts upon" objects with mass."

What are some alternatives to "exert upon"?

Alternatives to "exert upon" include "influence", "affect", "impact", or "apply to". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it better to use "exert on" or "exert upon"?

Both "exert on" and "exert upon" are grammatically correct, but "exert upon" is generally considered more formal and less common in modern usage. "Exert on" is often preferred for its brevity and directness.