hold influence

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold influence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone or something has an effect on a certain situation or outcome. For example: "The CEO held great influence over the company's decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Or must we too be victims of his marital indiscretions before we hold influence?

The Guardian - Opinion

What they found was that at least one celebrity does hold influence in the voting booth: Oprah Winfrey.

The New York Times

Sadly, this has become the derogatory epithet of choice for NBA players over the years, and its use remains prevalent in a sporting world where old ideas of male machismo still hold influence.

The Guardian - Sport

It could even, if Mr. Giuliani's warnings about tough fiscal times ahead take hold, influence the way voters measure the qualifications of his successor, putting a premium on fiscal management and experience.

The New York Times

The settlement also avoids having a motivated enemy in Mr. Rattner, who, despite being brought low by his involvement in the scandal, continues to hold influence in New York's financial, political, and media circles.

The New York Times

We saw in Sarah Vine's email the astonishing degree to which media titans like Rupert Murdoch and Paul Dacre are perceived to hold influence, when in fact Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter et al are the de facto organisers of much of the information we receive and discuss.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Like movies and TV, books have a way of reaching into our subconcious and taking hold, influencing our decisions on everything from what to wear, what to eat, and yes, even where to go on vacation.

Huffington Post

She didn't know who held influence, so she hedged her bets and played for time.

The Guardian

In fact, Russia has long held influence in the Caspian region and wants to tap natural gas there, too.

The New York Times

But Russia has long held influence in the Caspian region and wants to tap natural gas there, too.

The New York Times

Chiang Mai is ruled by the kind of old-style clique -- Mr. Amnat calls it a mafia -- that still holds influence throughout much of Thailand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the degree of influence when using "hold influence". For substantial effects, use adjectives like "significant", "considerable", or "great". For minor effects, terms like "some" or "limited" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid overstating the impact when using "hold influence". Ensure the evidence supports the claim that the person or thing in question actually affects the outcome, not just potentially could.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold influence" functions as a verb phrase where "hold" acts as the verb and "influence" as the noun object. It describes the capacity to affect decisions or actions. As confirmed by Ludwig, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

27%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold influence" is a grammatically sound and acceptable expression used to describe the capacity to affect decisions, actions, or behaviors. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It appears primarily in news and media, scientific, and wiki contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. While not as frequent as other similar phrases, "hold influence" offers a precise way to convey the presence and maintenance of power or control. When using this phrase, consider the context and the degree of influence being described to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wield power

Emphasizes the active and direct exercise of control or authority.

exert control

Highlights the effort involved in maintaining authority.

have sway

Suggests a more subtle form of influence, often persuasive.

carry weight

Implies that an opinion or position is respected and considered important.

command respect

Focuses on the admiration and deference received from others.

exercise authority

Highlights the official or legitimate use of power.

dominate proceedings

Emphasizes a position of strength and control over a situation.

be at the helm

Suggests a leadership role with significant decision-making power.

steer decisions

Highlights the ability to guide or direct choices.

have leverage

Indicates a strategic advantage used to gain influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "hold influence" to describe someone or something's capacity to affect decisions or actions. For instance, "The teacher "held influence" over her students' career paths".

What are some alternatives to "hold influence"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "wield power", "exert control", or "have sway".

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

Both "hold influence" and "have influence" are grammatically correct and understandable. "Hold influence" suggests a degree of control or active maintenance of that influence, while "have influence" is a more general statement of possessing it.

What is the difference between "hold influence" and "exert influence"?

"Hold influence" indicates a position of power or control, while "exert influence" suggests actively using that power to achieve a specific outcome. You might "hold influence" due to your position, but you "exert influence" through actions.