extend its influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extend its influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of increasing or broadening the impact or authority of a person, organization, or idea. Example: "The organization aims to extend its influence in the community by launching new outreach programs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Because the Fed can move the level of short-term interest rates, it can extend its influence by shaping the expectations of investors.

The New York Times

Taliban commanders often hail from the same villages the army is trying to extend its influence to, making it difficult to persuade residents to shun the insurgents.

The New York Times

The fascist Italy of dictator Benito Mussolini did try to extend its influence in the eastern Adriatic, but it was not strong enough to attempt unilateral territorial expansion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now the group, which specialises in what it calls community organising, is trying to extend its influence.

BBC

Islamabad maintains ties to the group through its intelligence service, and it is seeking to exploit those connections to extend its influence over Afghanistan.

The New York Times

It's also one more sign of how Facebook is continuing to extend its influence outside of its own platform and walled garden — although it's still stopping short of advertising on third-party sites.

TechCrunch

Al-Qaida has long sought to extend its influence in south Asia, particularly Pakistan.

The Guardian

Thereafter, Pakistan tried to extend its influence to the Taliban in Doha as well.

The New Yorker

In a way, Technorati's tags show how Flickr might extend its influence.

The Guardian - Tech

If Iran's goal is to extend its influence, Latin America does not offer a hospitable environment.

The Guardian

But these are not the sorts of allies that help an emerging power extend its influence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extend its influence", consider the specific area or domain where the influence is being expanded for better clarity. For example, "extend its influence in the tech industry".

Common error

Avoid using "extend its influence" when referring to a temporary or short-lived impact. The phrase suggests a lasting and strategic expansion, not a fleeting effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extend its influence" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action aimed at increasing the power, reach, or control of a subject. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across various contexts, emphasizing the deliberate nature of this expansion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extend its influence" is a commonly used and grammatically correct verb phrase that describes the act of increasing the power, reach, or control of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and is considered to have a neutral to professional register. Alternatives like "expand its reach" or "increase its impact" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure that the scope and duration of the influence are appropriate to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expand its reach

Focuses on broadening the scope of contact or coverage.

increase its impact

Emphasizes the amplification of the effect or consequence.

broaden its scope

Highlights the widening of the range or extent of something.

deepen its hold

Suggests strengthening control or attachment.

magnify its power

Implies a greater amplification of strength or capacity.

amplify its sway

Focuses on increasing persuasive influence or control.

enhance its authority

Highlights the improvement of legitimacy or power.

widen its network

Focuses on expanding a web of connections or relationships.

grow its sphere of influence

Emphasizes the expansion of the area in which it has power.

stretch its dominion

Suggests an outward expansion of rule or control.

FAQs

How can I use "extend its influence" in a sentence?

You can use "extend its influence" to describe actions taken to increase power, reach, or authority. For example, "The company aims to "expand its reach" and "grow its business" by entering new markets".

What is a good alternative to "extend its influence"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "extend its influence" include "increase its impact", "expand its reach", or "broaden its scope".

What's the difference between "extend its influence" and "increase its impact"?

"Extend its influence" suggests a strategic expansion of power or authority, while "increase its impact" focuses on amplifying the effect or consequence. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize power or effect.

Is it better to say "extend its influence" or "widen its influence"?

Both phrases are similar, but "extend its influence" is more commonly used and implies a more deliberate effort to broaden control or authority. "Widen its influence" is a viable alternative but might suggest a more passive expansion.