influence the outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'influence the outcome' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to anything that affects the result of a situation. For example: We need to ensure that we have effective procedures in place to influence the outcome of the election.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Would any of this influence the outcome?

The New York Times

He insisted he was "not seeking to influence the outcome".

The Guardian - Business

"Our ability to influence the outcome is limited," Hagel said.

The Guardian

How will the other characters influence the outcome?

The New York Times

Congress, too, may influence the outcome of the debate.

The New York Times

It was the first time I have ever tried to influence the outcome of a game.

The New York Times - Sports

But the advertisements may not have done much to influence the outcome.

The New York Times

Mr. Nash said his contributions to Mr. Lynch had not influence the outcome of this case.

The New York Times

"I might seem as though I was attempting to influence the outcome".

The New York Times

One well-placed journalist can influence the outcome of a war," he said.

The Guardian

Whether voters accept Mr. Mugabe's message will certainly influence the outcome of next week's election.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "influence the outcome", consider the degree of impact you want to convey. Words like "shape" or "determine" suggest a stronger influence than "affect" or "impact".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the extent to which something can "influence the outcome". Ensure your statement is supported by evidence and reflects a realistic level of impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "influence the outcome" functions as a verb phrase, where "influence" acts as a transitive verb taking "the outcome" as its direct object. It expresses the action of exerting an effect on a result, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "influence the outcome" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies the ability to affect a result. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business. While alternatives like "affect the result" or "shape the result" exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance. When using the phrase, it's crucial to avoid overstating the degree of influence and ensure that any claims are supported by evidence. Overall, "influence the outcome" remains a reliable and effective way to express the concept of affecting a result.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affect the result

This alternative uses a more direct synonym for "outcome" and maintains a similar level of formality.

shape the result

This alternative conveys a stronger sense of actively forming or molding the final outcome.

impact the consequence

This alternative replaces "outcome" with "consequence", emphasizing the result as a direct effect of something.

determine the conclusion

This phrase implies a more decisive role in establishing the final conclusion.

sway the decision

This suggests influencing a choice or judgment that leads to the outcome.

have a bearing on the result

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the relevance of something to the outcome.

play a role in the effect

This phrase highlights the contribution to producing a particular effect.

contribute to the end

This alternative emphasizes adding or giving to the final result.

have an effect on what happens

This is a more verbose and less direct way of expressing the same idea.

color the resolution

This alternative suggests adding a particular quality or characteristic to the resolution.

FAQs

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

You can use "influence the outcome" to describe actions or factors that have an effect on a particular result. For example, "Effective campaigning can "influence the outcome" of an election".

What are some alternatives to saying "influence the outcome"?

Alternatives include "affect the result", "shape the result", or "impact the consequence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "influence the outcome" or "affect the outcome"?

Both "influence the outcome" and "affect the outcome" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Influence" suggests a more subtle or indirect effect, while "affect" can imply a more direct or significant impact.

What's the difference between "influence the outcome" and "determine the outcome"?

"Influence the outcome" implies a partial or contributing effect, while "determine the outcome" suggests a decisive or controlling effect. "Determine the outcome" indicates a more complete level of control.