hold influence over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'hold influence over' is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that someone or something holds sway or authority over a certain area or issue. For example: "The president holds considerable influence over the foreign policy of the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Such a scenario would allow the Kremlin to continue to hold influence over the pro-Western government in Kiev.

Vice

This core group has managed to hold influence over that government, while pushing the implementation of radical Islamist ideals.

Vice

Congress' debate continues to intensify over the fiscal cliff, a combination of budgetary issues that hold influence over future federal spending and economic growth.

Huffington Post

Therefore, collectively they hold influence over the quality and safety of their organisations.

BMJ Open

In other cases, their family members may hold influence over the decision to seek professional medical care.

UNICEF

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Some of the extortion schemes took place during Mr. Edwards's final term in office, which ended in 1996, while others occurred after he stepped down but still held influence over legislators and gaming regulators.

The New York Times

He became the public liaison for Bumitama's local operations, a company called B.G.A. — in part, he thought, because officials knew that his family held influence over the people who lived there.

The New York Times - Magazine

Namely, Tibet was becoming a powerful polity west of the Qing, and the Dalai Lama held influence over Mongol tribes, many of which had not submitted to the Qing.

Wikipedia

He held influence for over a decade, before stepping back due to criticism of what other owners saw as his overly-secretive ways.

Wikipedia

A leading Palermitan expert on the Mafia says that barely a decade ago it held influence over and in many cases controlled between 70 and 80 members of the two legislatures in Rome.Special report What a lovely odd place!

The Economist

It was a setback to efforts by the mayor and former Gov. Eliot Spitzer to hold teachers accountable by using student performance data, and a boon for the teachers' unions, which hold enormous influence over the political process in the capital.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold influence over", ensure the context clearly identifies the source and target of the influence. For example, "The senator holds significant influence over the committee's decisions."

Common error

Avoid overstating the extent of someone's influence. Use qualifiers like "some", "considerable", or "limited" to accurately reflect the degree of influence. Saying someone "holds total influence" may be inaccurate and misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold influence over" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the ability or capacity to affect or control something or someone. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold influence over" is grammatically sound and functions to express the capacity to affect or control something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While the phrase is relatively rare, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific reporting, suggesting a generally neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the source and target of influence. Consider alternatives like "exert influence over" or "wield influence over" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Retain influence over

Implies maintaining a previously held influence.

Maintain influence over

Similar to 'retain', emphasizing the continuation of influence.

Hold sway over

Suggests a more persuasive or charismatic influence.

Wield influence over

Emphasizes the active and skillful use of influence.

Hold authority over

This suggests a formal or legal right to exert control.

Exert influence over

Highlights the active application of influence to achieve a specific outcome.

Hold power over

Focuses on the ability to control actions or decisions.

Command influence over

Emphasizes the degree of the influence and the ease to use it.

Have control over

Indicates having the power to direct or regulate something.

Take influence over

Indicates assuming a position of influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "hold influence over" to describe someone or something that has the power to affect decisions, opinions, or actions. For example, "The media "holds a large influence over" public perception."

What are some alternatives to "hold influence over"?

Some alternatives include "exert influence over", "wield influence over", or "have control over", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Hold influence over" suggests a degree of control or authority, whereas "have influence on" simply means to affect something. The better choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "hold sway over" and "hold influence over"?

Hold sway over often implies a more persuasive or charismatic form of influence, while "hold influence over" is a more general term for having an effect on something.