improper influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "improper influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing unethical or inappropriate pressure or persuasion in various situations, such as politics, business, or personal relationships. Example: "The committee found that the decision was made under improper influence, which compromised the integrity of the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The Pataki administration has denied there was any improper influence.

The New York Times

Gen. Thomas W. Hartmann, had exerted improper influence over the prosecutors.

The New York Times

The intent is to prevent improper influence in the valuation process, according to the agreement.

The New York Times

The amount of improper influence he could exert, even if he wanted to, is tiny.

The Guardian

"Where such a solicitation occurs, the potential for improper influence is heightened," Mr. Berens said.

The New York Times

He denies, however, that there was any improper influence on the FSA decision.

The Guardian

Any allegation of improper influence must be investigated thoroughly and completely.

The New York Times

Investigators are now trying to determine whether the Two Josephs crossed the line from uncommon access to improper influence.

The New York Times

Mr. McLaughlin concluded that Justice Thayer was guilty of improper influence, a felony, and official oppression, a misdemeanor.

The New York Times

"There is a certain legitimacy to the argument that Russian courts are still subject to improper influence," Mr. Kolleeny said.

The New York Times

Disentangling every improper influence resulting from special treatment of Trump's business holdings by foreign states would be impossible.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To strengthen your arguments, provide specific examples of how the influence was exerted and what outcomes it produced. This gives a clearer picture of the scale and scope of the problem.

Common error

Avoid claiming "improper influence" without substantial evidence, as such claims can lead to legal challenges or reputational damage. Focus on the actions that constitute the influence and provide factual backing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "improper influence" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies actions or situations where influence is exerted in an unethical or inappropriate manner. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating its role in describing compromised decision-making processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "improper influence" is widely used to describe situations where unethical or inappropriate pressure is applied to sway decisions or actions. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, business, and legal contexts. It's crucial to use the phrase accurately, backing up claims with concrete evidence. Alternatives like "undue influence" and "unethical persuasion" provide nuanced options for describing similar scenarios. Recognizing its register, primarily neutral to formal, and its prevalence in authoritative sources enhances one's ability to discuss ethical breaches with precision and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undue pressure

Focuses on the pressure aspect rather than the specific act of influencing.

unethical persuasion

Highlights the moral dimension of the influencing action.

inappropriate sway

Emphasizes the controlling power exerted inappropriately.

illegitimate leverage

Indicates an unfair advantage used to influence a situation.

corrupting power

Highlights the damaging and unethical nature of the influence.

biased manipulation

Focuses on the manipulative aspect motivated by prejudice.

skewed decision-making

Highlights how the influence has changed the final outcome.

distorted judgment

Focuses on the change in thinking due to external pressure.

predatory exploitation

Emphasizes the exploitative aspect of the influence.

manipulative advantage

Stresses the tactical and often dishonest nature of the influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "improper influence" to describe situations where someone is using their position or power to unfairly affect a decision or outcome. For example, "The investigation revealed that the CEO had exerted "improper influence" over the board's decision-making process".

What's the difference between "undue influence" and "improper influence"?

Both terms refer to inappropriate pressure or persuasion, but "undue influence" often implies a stronger level of control or manipulation. "Improper influence" can cover a broader range of inappropriate actions, whereas "undue influence" typically involves a significant power imbalance.

What are some synonyms for "improper influence"?

Some synonyms for "improper influence" include "unethical persuasion", "inappropriate sway", and "illegitimate leverage", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

What kind of situations typically involve claims of "improper influence"?

Claims of "improper influence" often arise in political contexts, such as lobbying or campaign finance, as well as in business settings involving contract negotiations, regulatory approvals, and financial transactions. It can also appear in legal cases where someone's actions are suspected of affecting the fairness of a trial or investigation.