exerts a powerful influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exerts a powerful influence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the impact or effect that someone or something has on a person, group, or situation. Example: "The media exerts a powerful influence on public opinion, shaping perceptions and attitudes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Fashion experts say the presidential example exerts a powerful influence on popular culture.

The New York Times

Corporate culture, like personal character, is an amorphous quality that exerts a powerful influence.

Harvard Business Review

But there is no doubt that he exerts a powerful influence over his listeners.

The New York Times - Arts

But as the magazine celebrates its 10th anniversary this month it exerts a powerful influence that belies its tiny budget.

The New York Times - Arts

But research indicates that gender exerts a powerful influence on where the money goes in Silicon Valley.

The New York Times - Tech

Serge's conversation runs through modern slavery, voodoo, cuisine, art, music and the iniquities of Minustah, the UN stabilisation mission that still exerts a powerful influence in the country.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Styles of parenting obviously exert a powerful influence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They exert a powerful influence in Bengali cultural life.

Britannica

Morris has exerted a powerful influence on thinking about art and design over the past century.

The Guardian - Books

Its path and speed exert a powerful influence on weather in the Northern Hemisphere.

The New Yorker

Alan Inkles, director of the Staller Center, agreed that New York City would always exert a powerful influence over Long Island.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exerts a powerful influence", consider whether a more direct verb like 'affects' or 'shapes' would be more impactful. Use "exerts a powerful influence" when you want to emphasize the strength and reach of the influence.

Common error

Avoid using "exerts a powerful influence" in casual writing or conversations. This phrase is better suited for formal or academic contexts. In informal settings, simpler alternatives like 'strongly affects' or 'has a big impact' are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exerts a powerful influence" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of having a strong effect on something. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is commonly found in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exerts a powerful influence" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to denote a significant impact or control. As Ludwig AI reports, this phrase finds its place in diverse contexts spanning from News & Media to Science and Academia. While acceptable and generally correct, considering more direct synonyms may sometimes improve clarity. According to Ludwig, the phrase's register leans towards neutral, making it suitable for formal writing and discussions. Use "exerts a powerful influence" with the awareness of these contexts and potential alternative phrasings to craft clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has a significant impact

Replaces 'exerts a powerful influence' with a more common and direct expression of impact.

wields considerable power

Focuses on the aspect of power and control implied by 'influence'.

plays a pivotal role

Emphasizes the importance and centrality of the influence.

carries substantial weight

Highlights the importance and impact that something has.

has a dominant effect

Focuses on the overriding nature of the influence.

strongly affects

A simplified and more direct way of expressing influence.

shapes significantly

Highlights the role of influence in shaping something.

impacts greatly

A more concise version using 'impacts' as a verb.

affects profoundly

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the influence.

dominates significantly

Similar to 'has a dominant effect' but with a stronger emphasis on control.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "exerts a powerful influence" for clarity?

For clearer alternatives, consider using phrases like "has a significant impact", "strongly affects", or "plays a pivotal role", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "exerts a powerful influence" and "has a strong effect"?

"Exerts a powerful influence" implies a more active and direct application of force or control, while "has a strong effect" is a more general statement about the magnitude of an impact. The former is often used when discussing deliberate actions or forces, whereas the latter can apply to any situation where a significant change occurs.

Is it better to use "exerts a powerful influence on" or "exerts a powerful influence over"?

Both "exerts a powerful influence on" and "exerts a powerful influence over" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "On" is generally used for inanimate objects or abstract concepts, while "over" is often used for people or groups. For example, "The economy exerts a powerful influence on consumer behavior," versus, "The leader exerts a powerful influence over his followers."

What are some formal synonyms for "exerts a powerful influence"?

Formal synonyms include phrases like "wields considerable power", "carries substantial weight", or "has a dominant effect". These options are suitable for academic, professional, or formal writing contexts.