influence the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "influence the" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the impact or effect that one thing has on another, often in contexts related to decision-making, behavior, or outcomes. Example: "The new policy is expected to influence the company's growth trajectory significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Even experts could not influence the weather.

The New York Times - Sports

And the statements could influence the debate.

The New York Times

"The government can influence the path taken".

The New Yorker

The macrosystem can influence the microsystem".

The New York Times

Sometimes audiences influence the process.

The New York Times

Would any of this influence the outcome?

The New York Times

The investigations could also influence the price.

The New York Times

Politics will not influence the decision.

The New York Times

would influence the content of any guidelines.

The New York Times

We're not seeking to influence the elections".

The New Yorker

"That could influence the loan process.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "influence the", ensure that the subject performing the influencing and the object being influenced are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Economic policy can influence the rate of inflation" is clearer than "Things influence the economy."

Common error

Avoid overstating the extent of the influence. Using "influence the" implies a degree of impact, but not necessarily complete control. Instead of saying "Technology will influence the outcome entirely", consider "Technology will significantly influence the outcome".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "influence the" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of exerting influence on a particular object or outcome. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, showing that something can impact or shape something else. Examples show this in contexts ranging from politics to science.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "influence the" is a versatile and commonly used expression that denotes the action of affecting or shaping something. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse contexts such as news, science, and business. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of communications. When using "influence the", clarity and precision in defining the influencing agent and the influenced object are crucial. Remember, while the phrase suggests an impact, it doesn't necessarily imply complete control. Exploring alternative phrases like "affect the", "shape the", or "impact the" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affect the

Focuses on the direct impact or change brought about.

shape the

Suggests a more formative or guiding influence.

impact the

Emphasizes a significant or powerful effect.

mold the

Implies a strong, directive influence, often in a creative context.

alter the

Highlights a change or modification resulting from the influence.

determine the

Indicates a decisive influence that sets the course or outcome.

guide the

Suggests a supportive or directional influence.

sway the

Implies persuading or redirecting someone's opinion or decision.

control the

Indicates a commanding influence with the power to direct.

affect change in

Highlights the action of causing transformation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "influence the" is used to show that something has an effect on something else. For instance, "Studies "influence the" way we understand the world".

What are some alternatives to "influence the"?

You can use alternatives such as "affect the", "shape the", or "impact the" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "impact the" instead of "influence the"?

While both phrases are used to indicate an effect, "impact the" often suggests a stronger or more direct effect than "influence the". The choice depends on the degree of impact you want to emphasize.

Can external factors truly "influence the" outcome of a controlled experiment?

Yes, even in controlled settings, unforeseen variables can "influence the" results. Researchers attempt to minimize these factors, but acknowledging their potential effect is crucial for accurate interpretation and reporting.