in the influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the influence" is not correct and not commonly used in written English.
It may be intended to convey being under the effect or control of something, but the correct expression would typically be "under the influence." Example: "He was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In Syria the Saudis are encouraging President Bashar al-Assad to rein in the influence of Iran's proxy Hezbollah.

Forbes

Vance's lasting impact may lie in the influence he had on other writers.

The Guardian - Books

The Force of Islam Articles in this series are examining growth in the influence of Islam.

The New York Times

Articles in this series are examining growth in the influence of Islam.

The New York Times

But then Frank, as a liberal elitist, has a touching belief in the influence of words.

The New York Times - Books

Mitt Romney was deeply involved in the influence that he exercised over these companies".

The New York Times

The move marked a further decline in the influence of the once-mighty metalworkers' union.

The Economist

Those conversations have raised hard questions: Does the ascendance of Hispanics mean a decline in the influence of blacks?

The New York Times

His historical importance lies in the influence that he exerted on Zeno the Stoic, who greatly admired him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The festival said the other focus would be ornithological, as in "the influence of birdsong on composers and visual artists".

The New York Times

"He has been part of the big spending establishment in Congress and in the influence peddling," Pawlenty told reporters.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for grammatical precision, substitute "in the influence" with more appropriate alternatives such as "under the influence", "affected by", or "subject to the influence of" depending on the intended meaning and context.

Common error

Avoid using "in the influence" as a universal substitute for phrases indicating impact or causation. Each situation demands specific language that accurately reflects the nature and extent of the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the influence" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often intended to modify a verb or noun, indicating a state or condition. However, Ludwig AI points out that this phrase is often grammatically incorrect, and therefore careful consideration of context and alternatives is necessary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "in the influence" appears frequently across various sources, including news, science, and encyclopedias, it is often grammatically questionable. Ludwig AI suggests the phrase is often incorrect and that the more appropriate alternative is "under the influence". Depending on the context, options like "affected by" or "subject to the influence of" might serve as better alternatives. Therefore, writers should exercise caution and consider the specific context to ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the influence

This is the most common and grammatically correct alternative, primarily used in legal contexts to describe being affected by a substance.

affected by

Focuses on the state of being changed or impacted by something, lacking the nuance of direct control or power.

subject to the influence of

Emphasizes the condition of being acted upon by an external force or factor, highlighting passivity.

within the sphere of influence

This phrase highlights a region or domain where an entity's power is exerted.

in the grip of

Indicates a strong and often negative control or hold that something has over someone or something.

swayed by

Denotes being persuaded or impacted by suggestions or arguments, implying a change in opinion or behavior.

bearing on

This alternative suggests relevance or consequence, indicating a degree of impact.

linked to

Implies a connection or relationship, which may suggest influence but lacks direct emphasis on it.

impacted by

Emphasizes the effect or result of something without specifying the mechanism of influence.

under the sway of

Similar to "under the influence", it suggests being controlled or directed by someone or something.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "in the influence"?

While the phrase "in the influence" appears in various texts, it is often grammatically incorrect. It's more appropriate to use alternatives such as "under the influence" or rephrase the sentence to improve clarity and correctness.

What are some alternatives to "in the influence" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "affected by", "subject to the influence of", or "within the sphere of influence". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "in the influence" grammatically correct, and why or why not?

The phrase "in the influence" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. The correct phrase is usually "under the influence" when referring to being affected by something. Other uses may require rephrasing for clarity.

How can I avoid misusing the phrase "in the influence" in my writing?

To avoid misuse, always consider whether "under the influence" or another alternative like "affected by" would be more appropriate. Review your sentence to ensure it conveys your intended meaning clearly and correctly.