gain influence

USAGE SUMMARY

"gain influence" is correct, and it can be used in written English.
For example, "The CEO has worked hard to gain influence in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How do I gain influence?

Harvard University

How do you gain influence for an idea?

Harvard Business Review

It's not a commercial proposition, therefore the main purpose must be to gain influence.

The Guardian

They want to try to gain influence here, and they will continue to do that.

The New York Times

Pakistan's rivals in the region rushed in to try to gain influence with the Northern Alliance.

The New York Times

In the 19th century, Japan and China fought to gain influence over the Korean Peninsula.

The New York Times

This is not the way to win friends and gain influence in academia.

The Guardian - Tech

They view the accord as a nefarious way for Americans to gain influence in Iranian society.

The New York Times

If Mr. Rouhani is weakened, his opponents are likely to gain influence, analysts say.

The New York Times

-- Efforts by China, France, Iran, and others to gain influence in Africa via UN peace operations.

The Guardian

Power has become more diffuse as more and more individuals gain influence.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to use "gain influence" effectively, consider specifying the area or context in which influence is being sought. For example, "gain influence in the community" or "gain influence over policy decisions" provides more clarity.

Common error

Don't use "gain influence" without indicating the target or scope of that influence. Saying someone wants to "gain influence" without specifying where or over whom makes the statement weak and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain influence" functions as a verb phrase, where 'gain' is the main verb indicating the action of acquiring something, and 'influence' is the noun representing what is being acquired. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science & Research

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gain influence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the act of increasing one's power or impact. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It appears most often in News & Media contexts, with supporting presence in academic and business domains. To use it effectively, specify the scope of the influence being sought to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "increase authority" or "acquire leverage" can be used to add nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquire leverage

Refers to obtaining a strategic advantage to affect outcomes.

increase authority

Emphasizes the expansion of formal or recognized power.

build sway

Highlights the act of developing persuasive power or control.

wield authority

Focuses on the act of using one's power or control.

exert control

Focuses on applying or exercising dominance over something or someone.

cultivate power

Suggests nurturing and developing one's ability to influence.

extend control

This refers to widening the scope of one's control over situations or people.

enhance impact

Stresses improving the effect or significance of one's actions.

establish dominance

Emphasizes creating a position of superior power or control.

expand reach

Highlights the broadening of one's scope or ability to affect others.

FAQs

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

You can use "gain influence" in a sentence to describe the act of increasing one's power or sway. For example, "The politician sought to gain influence through community outreach."

What can I say instead of "gain influence"?

You can use alternatives like "increase authority", "acquire leverage", or "enhance impact" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "gain influence" or "have influence"?

The best choice depends on the context. "Gain influence" describes the process of increasing power, while "have influence" describes a state of possessing power. For example, one might "gain influence" through networking and then "have influence" over decisions.

What's the difference between "gain influence" and "exert influence"?

"Gain influence" refers to the process of acquiring power or sway, while "exert influence" refers to the active use of that power to affect a situation. The former is about building capacity, while the latter is about applying it.