pursue influence

USAGE SUMMARY

"pursue influence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to actively seek or strive for power, control, or impact over others or a certain situation. You can use this phrase in various contexts, such as: - "The company's CEO was determined to pursue influence in the industry and become a major player." - "In order to achieve their political goals, the organization decided to launch a campaign to pursue influence among key decision-makers." - "The artist's main goal was not to just create beautiful art, but also to pursue influence and inspire positive change in society." Example: "As a leader, it is important for me to not only make decisions, but also to actively pursue influence in order to guide and shape the direction of the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He has since grown much wealthier, partly by trading with America's enemies, and has used some fraction of that wealth to pursue influence through well-placed largesse.

The New Yorker

Sure, publishers probably reach a bigger audience by focusing on social media and their own websites, but "we've been very careful not to pursue scale for scale's sake, and [instead] to pursue influence and expertise".

TechCrunch

It is additionally recommended that they pursue influence beyond the scope of the central government.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That research further suggests that the type of goal pursued influences which state is experienced.

Psychology of Sport and Exercise

Falwell began to pursue political influence, as did Pat Robertson.

The New Yorker

He then rightly deplores the "crony capitalists" who pursue political influence and favorable regulations instead of the good thing he calls "capitalism itself".

Huffington Post

But when these subjects first did a self-affirmation exercise that asked them to reflect on an aspect of their lives they considered to be important, such as helping other people or pursuing political influence, they were no more likely than subjects in the in-control group to see illusory patterns.

Science Magazine

"When we use the word 'tradition,' " he writes, "we're not referring to something wedded to the past, but to the living, breathing tradition of jazz that welcomes -- even actively pursues -- influences from the widest possible variety of musical styles and cultures".

The New York Times - Arts

It is important to establish a standard method for the investigation of the taste hyposensitivity and to pursue the factors influencing taste hyposensitivity and its development.

BMC Oral Health

Riel also intended to use the new position of influence to pursue his own land claims in Manitoba.

Wikipedia

Urquhart employs deceit, cunning, murder, and blackmail to influence and pursue the office of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pursue influence", clearly define the specific area or group in which influence is being sought to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "pursue influence" when a more subtle or collaborative approach is intended. Overstating the intent to "pursue influence" can create a perception of aggression or manipulation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pursue influence" functions as a verb phrase, where 'pursue' is a transitive verb taking 'influence' as its direct object. It describes the action of actively seeking to gain influence. Ludwig provides examples where individuals or organizations actively seek to pursue influence in different areas.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pursue influence" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It signifies the act of actively seeking power or impact. While not exceedingly common, appearing in a limited number of contexts primarily across News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science, its usage is straightforward. To ensure clarity, specifying the area of intended influence is advisable. When considering alternative phrasing, it's crucial to avoid overstating intent or implying aggression. Ludwig's examples and analysis shed light on the phrase's function, purpose, and appropriate register, guiding writers toward its effective and precise application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aggressively seek influence

Highlights a forceful or assertive approach to gaining influence, adding emphasis.

chase power

Highlights the ambition and drive behind seeking influence.

seek to sway

Focuses on the act of persuading, rather than the broader concept of influence.

strive for authority

Emphasizes the pursuit of formal power, rather than informal influence.

cultivate impact

Suggests a gradual development of influence, rather than an active pursuit.

expand reach

Focuses on extending the scope of one's influence.

aim to dominate

Implies a more aggressive and controlling form of influence.

court favor

Focuses on gaining approval and support to increase influence.

leverage connections

Highlights the use of relationships to gain influence.

exercise control

Refers to the active application of existing influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "pursue influence" to describe actively seeking power or impact, such as "The organization launched a campaign to "pursue influence" among key decision-makers".

What's a less forceful alternative to "pursue influence"?

If you want to sound less aggressive, consider alternatives like "cultivate impact" or "expand reach".

Is it correct to say "pursue to influence" instead of "pursue influence"?

No, "pursue to influence" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is ""pursue influence"", where "influence" functions as the direct object of the verb "pursue".

What's the difference between "pursue influence" and "wield influence"?

"Pursue influence" refers to the act of trying to gain influence, while "wield influence" refers to the act of using existing influence to achieve a specific outcome.