influence their lives

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "influence their lives" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how certain factors, events, or people affect the experiences or decisions of individuals. Example: "The new policies implemented by the government will significantly influence their lives, especially in terms of education and healthcare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

They don't realize politics can influence their lives even more".

The New Yorker

He had glimpses of how it might influence their lives.

The Guardian

People do not think who or what they vote for will influence their lives.

The New York Times

Neither of these two girls had the power to influence their lives at 2 years of age.

The Guardian

In fact, it is older people who, literally, dictate the terms of our society to those disenfranchised minors under 18, setting the policies that influence their lives.

The Guardian

Many Russians have little interest in the race going on in the US, remaining sceptical that it can influence their lives.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"They think economics influences their lives.

The New Yorker

Before Reading Have students brainstorm the learning experiences that have influenced their lives so far.

The New York Times

However, many would endorse the recognition of how the intersection of gender, religion and location has influenced their lives in critical ways.

The Guardian

On Our Merry Way (1948), codirected with Leslie Fenton (John Huston and George Stevens were uncredited), had a cloying premise: Burgess Meredith played a reporter interviewing people about how a child has influenced their lives.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the film series I co-curate and host at the IFC Center in New York, called Queer/Art/Film, we invite queer artists to present films that influenced their lives.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "influence their lives", consider the specific nature and extent of the influence you're describing. Is it a subtle suggestion, a powerful force, or a guiding hand? Choose verbs and adverbs that reflect this nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "influence their lives" when a weaker term like "affect" or "impact" would be more accurate. Overstating the influence can make your writing sound hyperbolic or misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "influence their lives" functions as a verb phrase, with "influence" acting as the transitive verb and "their lives" as the direct object. Ludwig AI shows this phrase describes the action of affecting or shaping the course of someone's existence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Unknown/unmatched sources

16%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "influence their lives" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the act of affecting or shaping the course of someone's existence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, but it's also appropriate for Formal & Business communications. While generally neutral, it's important to consider the strength and nature of the influence when choosing this phrase, ensuring it accurately reflects the intended meaning. Alternatives like "affect their lives" or "shape their lives" may be more suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affect their lives

Focuses on the general impact without necessarily implying a directed or intentional influence.

shape their lives

Suggests a more formative and lasting impact, implying a significant role in development.

impact their lives

Highlights a significant effect, often implying a strong or sudden influence.

mold their lives

Emphasizes a strong and directive influence, akin to shaping clay.

determine their lives

Implies a decisive influence, where the outcome of their lives is largely controlled.

guide their lives

Focuses on providing direction and support, subtly influencing choices and paths.

control their lives

Suggests a direct and often restrictive influence, limiting autonomy.

transform their lives

Highlights a profound and fundamental change brought about by the influence.

have an effect on their lives

A more general way of indicating influence, lacking the directness of the original phrase.

leave a mark on their lives

Implies a lasting and memorable influence, often through significant events or actions.

FAQs

What does it mean to "influence their lives"?

To "influence their lives" means to have an effect on someone's choices, actions, or development. It implies shaping their experiences or perspectives in some way.

How can I use "influence their lives" in a sentence?

You can use "influence their lives" to describe how policies, events, or people affect individuals. For example, "The new educational program aims to positively "affect their lives"".

What is a synonym for "influence their lives"?

Synonyms for "influence their lives" include "shape their lives", "affect their lives", or "impact their lives". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How is "influence their lives" different from "control their lives"?

"Influence their lives" suggests a more subtle and indirect effect, while "control their lives" implies a direct and often restrictive power over someone's choices and actions. "Guide their lives" could be somewhere in between.