seek influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of trying to gain power, control, or sway over others in various contexts, such as politics, business, or social situations. Example: "In order to advance her career, she decided to seek influence within the organization by networking with key decision-makers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Others seek influence, or a higher international profile.

The Economist

But others seek influence with the access their money has purchased.

The Guardian

Those who rush to judgment on what's happening in the Caucasus, or those who seek influence there, should first have at least some idea of this region's complexities.

The New York Times

And media independence was crucial in a polarized country at war, where the government is an uneasy alliance, where some stations are said to be influenced by warlords and where neighbors like Iran and Pakistan are said to seek influence.

The New York Times

Mr. Kagame's government, dominated by Tutsis, is accused of backing the M23 rebels as part of a proxy war against Hutu rebels in Congo and to seek influence in the country's mineral-rich eastern Kivu region.

The New York Times

Although much of this is within territory that has already been claimed, emerging economies such as China, India and Brazil seek influence over these opportunities through observers seats at the Arctic Council, which currently has eight full members – Norway, Canada, Russia, the US, Finland, Sweden, Iceland and Denmark.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

His belief in the interaction of mind and body led him to seek influences of the spirit upon the features.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Increasingly, Poland seeks influence within NATO that reflects its size and new prosperity.

The Economist

The bank sought influence over consumer protection, with proposed legislation such as the Consumer Overdraft Protection Fair Practices Act and the US Credit Card Act.

The Guardian - Business

First, Lord Ashcroft has sought influence all his adult life, and there is no reason to think that has changed.

The Economist

And the army continues to rely on the ISI for its own foreign policy aims, particularly battling India in Kashmir and seeking influence in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "seek influence" with specific actions or strategies to clarify how the influence is being pursued. This provides a more concrete understanding of the intent.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions when describing who is "seeking influence". Instead of saying "Influence is sought by...", use an active voice like "Organizations seek influence..." for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek influence" functions as a verb phrase, where "seek" acts as the main verb indicating an action, and "influence" is the object of that action. Ludwig AI examples illustrate this phrase in various contexts, denoting attempts to gain control or sway.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seek influence" is a verb phrase used to describe the act of trying to gain power, control, or sway over others. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears most frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "pursue power" or "gain leverage" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the intended message and avoid passive constructions for clarity. The use of "seek influence" is acceptable and understandable in formal and neutral scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pursue power

Focuses more directly on gaining control or authority.

gain leverage

Emphasizes obtaining a strategic advantage or bargaining power.

exert control

Highlights the act of exercising dominance or authority.

cultivate sway

Suggests a gradual process of developing influence.

establish dominance

Focuses on achieving a superior position or authority.

acquire authority

Highlights the act of obtaining formal power or right.

wield power

Implies having and using influence effectively.

secure control

Focuses on obtaining a firm grip on power or resources.

dominate debate

Highlights prevailing in discussions or arguments.

maneuver for position

Emphasizes strategic actions to gain a favorable standing.

FAQs

What does "seek influence" mean?

The phrase "seek influence" means to attempt to gain power, control, or sway over someone or something. It suggests a deliberate effort to affect decisions or outcomes.

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

You can use "seek influence" in a sentence like this: "The company launched a lobbying campaign to "seek influence" over new environmental regulations."

What are some alternatives to "seek influence"?

Alternatives to "seek influence" include "pursue power", "gain leverage", or "exert control", depending on the context.

Is it always negative to "seek influence"?

Not necessarily. Whether "seek influence" is negative depends on the context and the methods used. It can be seen positively when used to advocate for beneficial changes or negatively when used for unethical gain.