exerting their influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exerting their influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of applying power or control over others or situations, often in a political, social, or organizational context. Example: "The lobbyists were exerting their influence to sway the decision-makers in favor of the new legislation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Even the Spanish had trouble exerting their influence here.

The Guardian - Travel

The foreign imports, meanwhile, are exerting their influence on the N.B.A.

The New York Times

More than ever before, institutional shareholders are aggressively exerting their influence in the name of holding companies and management accountable.

Harvard University

"Although the music of Jazz88 was enjoyed and highly regarded beyond our broadcast range, larger forces are exerting their influence".

The New York Times

Wives, children, stepchildren, mothers and brothers have been campaigning on their own, or exerting their influence behind the scenes.

The Guardian

Current Chinese leaders, who are exerting their influence in countries like Vietnam and Laos, echo his paternalism.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

They exerted their influence in other, more public ways, too.

The New York Times

He was putting pressure on moderate Arab leaders to exert their influence on Mr. Arafat.

The New York Times

It has proved difficult for the voters to exert their influence.

The New York Times

They too can exist as a kind of rumour, he said, and still exert their influence.

The Guardian - Arts

He also discusses how established countries like the United States exert their influence in these matters.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the degree of impact when using "exerting their influence". Is it subtle persuasion or a forceful directive? Choose vocabulary that reflects the true nature of the influence being described.

Common error

Avoid attributing influence without providing evidence or examples. Simply stating that someone is "exerting their influence" without showing how can make your argument seem unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exerting their influence" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a gerund phrase when used as a noun. It describes the action of actively using one's power or authority to have an effect. Ludwig shows this phrase used in different contexts, often involving political or social dynamics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exerting their influence" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the act of using power or authority to affect decisions or outcomes. Ludwig confirms its usability and appropriateness across various contexts. It is particularly prevalent in news and media, science, and formal business settings. Related phrases include "wielding their power" and "exercising their authority". When using this phrase, it is essential to clearly identify who 'they' refers to and to provide evidence of how the influence is being exerted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wielding their power

Replaces 'influence' with 'power' and 'exerting' with 'wielding', focusing on the application of force.

exerting control

Focuses specifically on the aspect of control being applied.

bringing their weight to bear

Emphasizes the impact of their influence as a heavy burden or pressure.

exercising their authority

Substitutes 'influence' with 'authority' to highlight a formal right to control.

applying pressure

Highlights the act of pressing or urging towards a specific outcome.

shaping decisions

Indicates a direct impact on the decision-making process.

having an impact

Simplifies the phrase to a general statement about causing an effect.

making their presence felt

Shifts the focus to the noticeable effect of their involvement.

swaying opinions

Specifically refers to influencing beliefs or judgments.

pulling strings

An idiomatic expression suggesting indirect and often hidden influence.

FAQs

What does "exerting their influence" mean?

The phrase "exerting their influence" refers to the act of using power or authority to affect decisions, actions, or outcomes. It implies an active effort to sway or control a situation.

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

You can use "exerting their influence" to describe how individuals or groups affect a situation. For example, "Lobbyists are "exerting their influence" on lawmakers to pass the bill".

What are some alternatives to "exerting their influence"?

Alternatives include "wielding their power", "exercising their authority", or "bringing their weight to bear". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "exerting their influence" formal or informal?

"Exerting their influence" is generally considered a neutral phrase, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, its impact can be enhanced by the surrounding language, making it appropriate for diverse settings.