the influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the influence" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, "The influence of media on culture has grown significantly over the past decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The influence of thought".

The New York Times - Tech

Was he under the influence?

The New York Times - Arts

Yet the influence remains.

The Guardian

The influence is sufficient".

The New York Times

The influence of pacs?

The New Yorker

The influence was clear.

The Guardian - Film

And there's the influence right there.

The New York Times

The influence of yoga permeated everything.

The New York Times - Arts

"The influence of Marxism still exists".

The New York Times

Other objects reflect the influence of Assyria.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The influence of party leaders was curtailed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the influence" when referring to the power to affect someone or something, particularly when discussing abstract concepts or widespread effects. Consider stronger alternatives like "impact" or "control" when emphasizing direct results or domination.

Common error

Avoid using "the influence" in overly passive sentences that obscure the actor responsible for the influence. Instead of "The decision was made under the influence of external factors", specify who or what exerted the influence: "External factors influenced the decision."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the influence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the capacity or power to affect the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. As Ludwig confirms, its usage is grammatically sound and common across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the influence" is a versatile noun phrase commonly used to denote the power or capacity to affect something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application, with examples spanning news, encyclopedias, and scientific domains. While generally neutral to formal in register, careful attention should be paid to avoiding passive constructions and specifying the actors responsible for the influence. Consider alternatives like "the impact" or "the effect" to convey more direct or measurable outcomes, and always strive for clarity and precision in articulating the nature and extent of the influence in question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the impact

Focuses more on the direct effect or consequence of something.

the effect

Emphasizes the result or outcome of an action or force.

the effect

Similar to impact, but often used for more tangible or measurable changes.

the power

Emphasizes the capacity to control or change something.

the authority

Highlights the legitimate right to exert control or influence.

the sway

Suggests a gentle or persuasive form of influence.

the pressure

Indicates a compelling force that affects decisions or actions.

the control

Implies a more direct and forceful form of influence.

the manipulation

Suggests a skillful handling or control.

the hold

Implies a grip or dominating influence over someone or something.

FAQs

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

You can use "the influence" to describe the power to affect someone or something. For example: "The artist's work demonstrates "the influence of" classical art" or "She has "a strong influence on" her students."

What are some alternatives to "the influence"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "the impact", "the effect", "the power", or "the authority" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "have an influence on" or "have influence on"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "have an influence on" is generally preferred in formal writing. The inclusion of "an" emphasizes the specific instance or degree of influence.

What's the difference between "the influence" and "the impact"?

"The influence" refers to the general power to affect something, while "the impact" often refers to a more direct or measurable effect. "The influence" is broader and may not always be immediately visible, whereas "the impact" is typically more immediate and noticeable.