least influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the minimal impact or effect that something has in a particular context. Example: "Among all the factors considered, the weather had the least influence on the outcome of the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr. De Angelis hopes his proposal can at least influence thinking about how future malls are built.

The New York Times - Arts

Photographs: Corbis/Getty "As a little bit of musk fills an entire house," wrote Osip Mandelstam, "so the least influence of Judaism overflows all of one's life".

The Guardian - Books

Television companies, desperate to protect their sources of revenue, are trying to figure out ways to control or at least influence the shifts in our viewing practices.

The New York Times - Magazine

For this to work, its leaders had to be able to at least influence the behaviour and tactics of the militant operators on the ground.

The Guardian

Top managers direct or at the very least influence the board members who set their pay: that means they will succeed in collecting some rent.

The Economist

Of these three things, the national polls probably have the least influence on the forecast at this stage of the campaign.

The New York Times

Now we have the DCLG proposals to give local people power to determine, or at least influence, how some of their tax revenues are spent - to enforce their own priorities, not the council's.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We're frustrated because we feel that it's going to have the most negative impact on Mamaroneck and Larchmont," she said, "and yet we have the least influence in the decision".

The New York Times

That fits the 2010 general election theme of states' rights and re-establishing federalism, a theme that works nicely for provincials who want to remake (or at least influence) the federal government.

The New York Times

MoSi2 with 2% has the least influence on flexural strength.

International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials

HES 130/0.4 had least influence on renal VO2 and restored renal function.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing factors contributing to an outcome, use "least influence" to clearly indicate the factor with the smallest impact. For example, "Among the variables tested, temperature had the "least influence" on the reaction rate".

Common error

Avoid using "least influence" when you actually mean 'no influence'. "Least influence" implies some effect, however small, while 'no influence' indicates a complete lack of impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least influence" functions as a modifier indicating the minimum degree of effect or impact something has on a particular situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and readily used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "least influence" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote the minimal impact or effect of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in scientific and news reporting, maintaining a neutral register. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a minimal, but existing, effect, differentiating it from 'no influence'. Consider alternatives like "minimal impact" or "slightest effect" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal impact

Focuses on the extent of effect, using 'impact' instead of 'influence'.

slightest effect

Emphasizes the degree of effect, replacing 'influence' with 'effect'.

negligible effect

Highlights the insignificance of the effect.

smallest role

Shifts the context to the part played or function performed.

minor impact

Similar to minimal impact, but uses 'minor' to indicate a small effect.

weakest effect

Concentrates on the strength of the effect.

limited effect

Emphasizes the restricted scope of the effect.

little bearing

Indicates a lack of relevance or connection.

no consequence

Highlights the lack of importance or result.

least importance

Focuses on the level of significance.

FAQs

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

You can use "least influence" to indicate the factor with the smallest impact. For instance, "Among these factors, cost had the "least influence" on the decision".

What are some alternatives to "least influence"?

Consider using alternatives like "minimal impact", "slightest effect", or "negligible effect" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "least influence" and "no influence"?

"Least influence" suggests a minimal effect, while "no influence" implies a complete absence of effect. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of impact.

Is "least influence" formal or informal?

"Least influence" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.