have an influence

USAGE SUMMARY

"have an influence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe how someone or something affects a situation, or to describe a power or effect that someone or something has. For example: The new policies introduced by the government will have an influence on the way businesses are operated.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You do have an influence.

The Guardian

That's where it could have an influence.

The Guardian - Business

"But maybe what you're saying could also have an influence".

The Guardian - Sport

"Then you can have an influence," Dr. Murray said.

The New York Times

"People feel they have an influence in the future".

The New York Times

I don't think it will have an influence whatsoever".

The Guardian - Sport

But Brexit doesn't have an influence on our neighbourhood policy".

The Guardian

And that can have an influence on freshness.

The Guardian - Sport

National culture seems to have an influence here as well.

Harvard Business Review

But it may have an influence even if it fails.

The Economist

So can the Elders still have an influence there?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have an influence", clearly state what is being influenced to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Technology has an influence", specify "Technology has an influence on education".

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "influence" (a noun meaning the power to affect someone or something) with "affect" (a verb meaning to have an effect on). For instance, use "The weather will affect our plans" and "The weather has an influence on our plans".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have an influence" functions as a verb phrase indicating the capacity or ability to affect someone or something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is commonly used to express how a particular entity shapes or alters another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

24%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have an influence" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe the capacity or power to affect something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, ranging from formal academic and business settings to more informal news and general discussions. The phrase is particularly common in News & Media and Academic sources. Remember to clearly state what is being influenced to provide better context. Be careful not to confuse the noun "influence" with the verb "affect". Alternatives like "exert an influence", "make an impact", or "have an effect" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert an influence

Focuses on actively using influence.

exercise an influence

Emphasizes the active application of influence.

wield influence

Suggests a powerful and controlled application of influence.

have an effect

More general term for causing a change.

make an impact

Highlights the significance of the influence.

leave a mark

Implies a lasting or memorable influence.

shape outcomes

Focuses on influencing the final results.

play a role

Suggests contributing to an outcome.

affect something

A direct and simple way of saying influence.

impact something

Similar to affect, but often implies a stronger force.

FAQs

How can I use "have an influence" in a sentence?

Use "have an influence" to indicate that something or someone affects a situation or outcome. For example, "The media can "have an influence" on public opinion".

What can I say instead of "have an influence"?

You can use alternatives like "exert an influence", "have an effect", or "make an impact" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "have a influence" instead of "have an influence"?

No, it is incorrect. The correct article to use before "influence" is "an" because "influence" begins with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "have an influence" and "have an impact"?

"Have an influence" suggests a more subtle or gradual effect, while "have an impact" often implies a more significant or immediate effect.