seeking influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seeking influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of trying to affect or change someone's thoughts, opinions, or actions. Example: "The organization is seeking influence in policy-making to advocate for environmental protection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

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

This could create a vacuum in the country, or a civil war in which the Taliban would be a party and Pakistan would be seeking influence.

The New Yorker

Many more are executives and partners at firms that pay lobbyists, and former government officials who work as consultants or advisers to those seeking influence.

The New York Times

Mr. Daschle, for instance, is not a registered lobbyist, but he made a handsome living advising clients seeking influence with the government, including some in the health industry.

The New York Times

Businessmen seeking influence or government contracts now cultivate friends in the Brotherhood, making sure to be seen at fraternal funerals and weddings.

The Economist

Both men say they are seeking influence over the debate in the fall, and they do not appear to be leaving the race anytime soon.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Then, we identify pursuing specific company interests, solving technical problems, knowledge seeking, influencing regulation, and facilitating market access as motives to standardize by means of factor analysis.

Technovation

Others seek influence, or a higher international profile.

The Economist

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

The Guardian

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seeking influence", consider the ethical implications of attempting to sway decisions or outcomes, especially in political or business contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "seeking influence" when the intent is to command or dictate, as "influence" suggests a more subtle and persuasive approach rather than outright authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeking influence" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun to describe the act of trying to affect decisions or outcomes. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seeking influence" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the act of attempting to affect decisions or outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is versatile and appears frequently in news and media, as well as scientific and formal business contexts. While alternatives such as "pursuing sway" or "striving for impact" exist, "seeking influence" remains a direct and widely understood way to express the intention of shaping opinions or actions. Therefore, use the phrase with consideration of the subtle ethical implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pursuing sway

Replaces "influence" with "sway", implying a more subtle or persuasive approach.

exerting leverage

Focuses on using existing advantages to achieve desired results.

attempting to sway

Highlights the active effort to change someone's opinion or decision.

striving for impact

Shifts the focus to achieving a significant effect or result.

aiming for control

Emphasizes the desire to manage or direct a situation.

cultivating clout

Suggests building up influence over time through relationships and actions.

desiring authority

Directly states the wish to have power or control.

maneuvering for position

Highlights strategic actions taken to gain influence.

agitating for change

Implies actively working to bring about specific alterations.

campaigning for support

Focuses on winning over others to a particular cause or idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "seeking influence" to describe efforts to affect decisions or outcomes, such as "The company is "seeking influence" on the new environmental regulations".

What can I say instead of "seeking influence"?

Alternatives to "seeking influence" include "pursuing sway", "striving for impact", or "aiming for control", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "seeking influence" or "exerting influence"?

"Seeking influence" implies an ongoing effort to gain influence, while "exerting influence" suggests that influence is already possessed and being actively used. The better choice depends on the context.

What is the difference between "seeking influence" and "seeking power"?

"Seeking influence" focuses on affecting decisions or opinions, while "seeking power" implies a desire for direct authority or control over resources and people.