to assert influence over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to assert influence over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation in which one party has influence or control over the other. For example, "The local church attempted to assert influence over the town's residents by imposing strict laws."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

New Komeito questioned Mr Abe's moves last year to assert influence over the central bank's conduct of monetary policy.With his poll ratings high, Mr Abe appears to be looking at alliances with two likelier LDP bedfellows, the economically liberal Your Party and the right-wing Japan Restoration Party.

The Economist

Some Turkish nationalists say the Orthodox Church is a wedge for Greek expansionism, that Orthodox priests are its agents and that their visits to the Black Sea region are intended to assert influence over a region they would like to control.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Apple is smartly asserting influence over multiple layers in the communications stack: devices (iPhones and iPads), operating system (iOS) and apps (iMessage, FaceTime, PhotoStream, etc).

TechCrunch

It's here where Tea Party activists have expected to assert their influence over the party's nominating process.

The New York Times - Magazine

But recently he has been trying to assert greater influence over education, and through his office, he can generate considerable public pressure on the Regents.

The New York Times

But the officials said they were still sifting through intelligence reports to determine whether the attacks indeed marked an attempt by Al Qaeda to assert more influence over the Pakistani Taliban's operations.

The New York Times

Mr. Poindexter, who is 65, was a controversial figure both for his role in the Iran-contra scandals and for his efforts to assert military influence over commercial computer security technologies.

The New York Times

Boosted by the news that the terminal ALS he was battling was, in fact, misdiagnosed, he now has a new lease of life and attempts to assert his influence over his Empire record label from inside.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The outcome document, presented at a United Nations meeting known as the Ten-Year Review of the World Summit on the Information Society, is an indication of how China is trying to assert its influence over how the Internet will be governed.

The New York Times - Tech

ALBANY -- Declaring that "government has failed to do what government should be doing," Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo moved on Monday to assert his influence over New York State's education policy, appointing a former Citigroup chairman to lead a new commission charged with improving student performance.

The New York Times

Great Britain and France had sought to assert their influence over Russia's treatment of Poland in the wake of the January Insurrection, but in November the British rejected Napoleon III's proposal for a congress to settle the outstanding problems of Europe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to assert influence over", ensure the context clearly identifies the means by which the influence is exerted. Specificity enhances the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "to assert influence over" when the actual influence is minimal or non-existent. Misrepresenting the extent of influence can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to assert influence over" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intent. It typically follows a verb indicating an action taken to achieve influence. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to describe attempts to control or affect outcomes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to assert influence over" is a phrase used to describe attempts to exert control or have an impact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, especially in news and encyclopedic sources. While relatively uncommon, using this phrase effectively involves clearly defining how the influence is being exerted. Alternatives such as ""to exert control over"" and ""to wield authority over"" offer similar meanings, with subtle differences in connotation. Remember to avoid overstating the degree of influence to maintain credibility. This expression helps convey proactive attempts to shape outcomes or behaviors, making it a valuable addition to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to control

This is a direct and simple term for having power over something.

to exert control over

This alternative emphasizes the act of exercising direct control, differing slightly from the more subtle act of influencing.

to have power over

This phrase emphasizes the possession of power, which can be used to exert influence.

to wield authority over

This phrase suggests having formal power or right to control, unlike simply influencing.

to exercise sway over

“Sway” implies a more subtle form of influence or persuasion, rather than direct control.

to dominate

“Dominate” suggests a stronger, more absolute form of control than “influence”.

to impose upon

This suggests a forceful exertion of influence, often unwelcome.

to shape

“Shape” suggests guiding the development or direction of something, differing from direct control.

to manipulate

This implies a more insidious and often dishonest way of exerting influence.

to impact

“Impact” indicates having a significant effect, which is a broader concept than direct influence or control.

FAQs

What does "to assert influence over" mean?

It means to actively try to have an effect on someone or something, often to control or guide their actions or decisions. It implies a deliberate attempt to exert power or authority.

How can I use "to assert influence over" in a sentence?

For example, you could say, "The company tried "to assert influence over" the market through aggressive advertising campaigns."

What are some synonyms for "to assert influence over"?

Alternatives include "to exert control over", "to wield authority over", or "to exercise sway over".

Is it better to say "to assert influence over" or "to have influence over"?

"To assert influence over" implies an active attempt to exert control, while "to have influence over" simply means possessing the ability to affect something. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the active effort or the passive capability.