falling under the influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "falling under the influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is affected or controlled by a particular force, person, or substance, often in a negative context. Example: "After years of struggling, he found himself falling under the influence of negative peer pressure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Like Ethiopia, the Bush administration accuses the Islamist Courts Movement of harbouring and falling under the influence of al-Qaida.

The Guardian

Officials from the parallel government have complained that the Bosnian Muslim part of the country is falling under the influence of a former imperial power.

The Guardian

He had a good education at the lycée in Rouen, falling under the influence of a charismatic teacher, Émile-Auguste Chartier, known as "Alain".

The New Yorker

It had been thought that the energy might be kinetic, the product of material falling under the influence of a massive gravitational field.

The Guardian

Governments around the world are assessing how to prevent people, especially vulnerable teenagers, falling under the influence of Isis and joining them in the Middle East.

The Guardian

The Malaysian woman is reportedly called Aishah, and is thought to have moved to Britain in 1968 with her fiancé before falling under the influence of Mr Balakrishnan.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Do you fall under the influence of people?

The Guardian - Film

Giovanni early fell under the influence of Mantegna.

Encyclopedia Britannica

About the same time, he fell under the influence of the Protestant Reformer Huldrych Zwingli.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Paris he fell under the influence of the French Symbolist poets, especially Stéphane Mallarmé.

Columbia University

Unable to afford the graft, he falls under the influence of a radical Islamist cleric.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "falling under the influence", ensure the context clearly identifies the source and nature of the influence, as it often carries a negative connotation. For instance, specify whether it's a person, ideology, or substance exerting the influence.

Common error

Be specific about the nature of the influence. Saying someone is "falling under the influence" without specifying what or whom they are influenced by can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. Provide context to clarify the nature and source of the influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falling under the influence" functions as a verbal phrase, often acting as part of the predicate in a sentence. It describes the process of someone or something being affected or controlled by an external force. Ludwig's examples show diverse contexts where this phrase is used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "falling under the influence" is a versatile phrase used to describe the process of being affected or controlled by an external force. According to Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and common across diverse contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. While often carrying a negative connotation, the phrase can be neutral depending on the context. It's crucial to specify the source and nature of the influence to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity. Related phrases include "being swayed by" and "coming under the sway of", each offering subtle variations in meaning. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coming under the sway of

Implies a more subtle and pervasive influence, often emotional or ideological.

being swayed by

Focuses on the act of persuasion and change of opinion.

succumbing to the power of

Highlights the dominance and strength of the influencing force.

yielding to the control of

Emphasizes a loss of autonomy and submission to an external force.

vulnerable to

Highlights the susceptibility of the person or thing being influenced.

affected by

A more general term indicating an impact without necessarily implying control.

subject to

Implies a condition or state determined by an external factor.

at the mercy of

Suggests a helpless state under the control of a powerful force.

under the dominion of

Indicates a strong and often oppressive form of control.

bowing to the will of

Implies a conscious decision to submit to another's desires.

FAQs

How can "falling under the influence" be used in a sentence?

You can use "falling under the influence" to describe someone who is being affected or controlled by something or someone, often negatively. For example: "The government feared the country was "falling under the influence" of extremist groups."

What is a synonym for "falling under the influence"?

Synonyms for "falling under the influence" include "being swayed by", "coming under the sway of", or "succumbing to the power of", depending on the context.

Is it always negative to say someone is "falling under the influence"?

While often negative, "falling under the influence" can be neutral depending on the context. For example, "He "fell under the influence" of a great teacher" suggests positive mentorship, but if the person is evil it's negative.

What's the difference between "falling under the influence" and "being inspired by"?

"Falling under the influence" often suggests a loss of autonomy or critical thinking, while "being inspired by" implies a positive and voluntary adoption of ideas or behaviors. One is forced, and the other is willing.