exerting influence

USAGE SUMMARY

"exerting influence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that is having an effect on something else. For example, "The teacher's words were exerting a powerful influence on the students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're exerting influence in different ways.

Columbia University

Significant factors exerting influence on the culture parameters were selected.

Bioresource Technology

State leaders are growing more confident about exerting influence over multinationals.

The New York Times

Mr. Rowland has denied any knowledge of the deal and of exerting influence in securing it.

The New York Times

Other national leaders and more experienced advisers like Mattis are exerting influence.

The Guardian

It severs your links to reality, making you reliably incapable of exerting influence.

Harvard Business Review

Voters keen to understand who is exerting influence in their democracy can talk to the hand.

The Guardian

The pitfalls Would Europe really want Russia exerting influence over an EU member in this way?

Independent

Gambling syndicates, including the triads, began exerting influence over investors, referees, coaches and players.

The Economist

His best hope of exerting influence after the election is in the Senate.

The Economist

Its own enlargement still offers the best means of exerting influence.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exerting influence" when you want to emphasize the active and forceful application of power or sway, especially in situations involving competition or resistance.

Common error

Avoid using "exerting influence" when simply describing a state of having influence. Use it to describe the act of actively using that influence. For example, say "The organization has influence" not "The organization is exerting influence" unless you are describing a specific action where they are using it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exerting influence" functions as a verbal phrase that typically acts as part of a larger clause, often within a sentence’s predicate. It indicates an ongoing action of applying pressure or sway. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exerting influence" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies the active application of power or sway. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It appears most commonly in news and media contexts, with notable presence in science and academia. When writing, remember to use it to describe a specific, ongoing action of applying influence, not merely a state of having it. Alternatives like "wielding influence" or "applying influence" may be more appropriate depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercising influence

Similar to "exerting influence" but can also imply a right or privilege to use influence.

wielding influence

Implies skillful or strategic use of influence, often in a leadership context.

applying influence

Highlights the direct application of influence to a specific situation or problem.

imposing influence

Suggests a forceful or authoritative application of influence.

using influence

A more general way of saying that influence is being applied, lacking the forcefulness of "exerting".

bearing influence

Focuses on the state of having influence rather than the act of applying it.

setting influence

Changes the action from actively applying force to establishing a context for impact.

making influence

Implies creating or generating influence, rather than directly applying existing influence.

maintaining influence

Emphasizes the ongoing effort to keep influence active and effective.

resulting influence

Shifts the focus to the influence that is a consequence of something else.

FAQs

How can I use "exerting influence" in a sentence?

You can use "exerting influence" to describe someone or something actively using their power or sway to affect a situation. For example, "The lobbyists were "exerting influence" on the senators to vote against the bill".

What are some alternatives to "exerting influence"?

Alternatives to "exerting influence" include phrases like "wielding influence", "exercising influence", or "applying influence". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say 'exert influence' or "exerting influence"?

Both "exert influence" and "exerting influence" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Exert influence" is the base verb form, while "exerting influence" is the present participle, used to describe an ongoing action. For example, "They "exert influence" through donations", versus "They are "exerting influence" right now".

What's the difference between 'having influence' and "exerting influence"?

"Having influence" describes a state of possessing power or sway, while "exerting influence" describes the act of actively using that power to affect something. One describes a potential, the other, an action.