The word "influencing" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a situation where one person or thing is having an effect on another. For example: "The hip-hop artist's lyrics have been influencing young people's fashion choices.".
Unable to bring about political reforms at home, Abdullah staked his reputation on influencing regional politics.
Contempt of court bars comment on ongoing trials and inquests to avoid the risk of influencing the jury in one direction.
"The French have decided that the best way of influencing the eurozone is through the closest possible relationship with the Germans," said the senior diplomat.
Related: Malcolm Turnbull denies influencing SBS sacking of Scott McIntyre for Anzac tweets Whether you think McIntyre's comments about Anzac Day were factually and historically defensible, compare them with the comments about Indigenous Australians that landed Andrew Bolt in the dock.
Clinton's remarks appeared to be aimed at influencing the decisions being made in Tehran.
This has important implications … influencing the way we are perceived … encouraging people to visit our shores … and increasing the willingness of people in other countries to do business with us.
BAE Systems: "Generally, we consider that the UK achieves much greater global influence by acting as part of a bloc and that the UK has been particularly successful in influencing the direction and content of EU trade policies".
Being a terminologist, I care about word choice. Ludwig simply helps me pick the best words for any translation. Five stars!
Maria Pia Montoro
Terminologist and Q/A Analyst @ Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union