have influence

USAGE SUMMARY

"have influence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when discussing how something has had an effect on someone or something else. For example, "The government's policies have had significant influence on the nation's economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And they still have influence!

The New York Times

Their words have influence".

The New York Times - Sports

You have influence.

The Guardian - Books

Doesn't he have influence?

The Guardian

"That said, I only have influence.

The New York Times

"We have influence but not controlling influence".

The New York Times

"Those who have influence pass right through".

The New York Times

You have influence on her.

The New York Times

He likes to have influence".

The New York Times

I wanted to have influence.

The New York Times

So they clearly have influence.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have influence" when you want to emphasize the capacity to affect decisions, opinions, or outcomes. Be specific about the area or domain in which the influence is exerted.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the extent of the influence. Use qualifiers like "some", "limited", or "significant" to accurately represent the degree of impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have influence" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the capacity to affect, shape, or determine outcomes, opinions, or behaviors. Ludwig AI suggests this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have influence" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating the capacity to affect or shape something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When using this phrase, be mindful of the extent of the influence and choose appropriate qualifiers to avoid overstatement. Alternatives like "exert influence" or "carry weight" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. By understanding its function and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "have influence" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert influence

Focuses on the act of actively using influence.

wield influence

Implies a powerful and controlled use of influence.

carry weight

Indicates that someone's opinion or actions are important and impactful.

make an impact

Highlights the effect or consequence of an action.

affect

A more direct synonym, focusing on the act of causing a change.

shape

Suggests a more formative and defining influence.

impact

Similar to 'make an impact', but used as a verb.

sway

Suggests persuading or influencing someone's opinion.

have an effect on

A more general way to describe influencing something.

leave its mark

Implies a lasting and noticeable impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "have influence" to describe the power to affect something or someone. For example, "The media can "have influence" on public opinion."

What are some alternatives to "have influence"?

Alternatives include "exert influence", "carry weight", or "make an impact". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "have influence on" or "have influence over"?

Both "have influence on" and "have influence over" are correct, but "on" is generally used when referring to things or concepts, while "over" is used when referring to people or groups. For example, "have influence on policy" versus "have influence over the team".

What's the difference between "have influence" and "have power"?

"Have influence" refers to the ability to affect something indirectly, while "have power" implies direct control or authority. You can "have influence" without "have power", and vice versa.