to influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to influence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the ability to affect or change someone’s thoughts, feelings, or actions. Example: "The speaker aimed to influence the audience's perspective on climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Trying to influence people".

The New Yorker

work and try to influence policy.

The New York Times

"And it's easy to influence them.

The New York Times

It has to influence other people".

The New York Times

We use taxes to influence behavior.

The New York Times

"I did not want to influence him.

The New York Times

But they can try to influence it.

The New York Times

Do you try to influence their tastes?

The New York Times

"Was it done to influence public opinion?

The New York Times

"It does not seek to influence currencies".

The New York Times

Want to influence policy?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to influence", consider the specific type of influence you want to convey. Choose synonyms like "to persuade" or "to shape" to add precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to influence" when the effect is minimal or indirect. Opt for terms like "to affect" or "to have an impact on" to accurately reflect the degree of influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to influence" functions primarily as an infinitive verb indicating the action of affecting or changing something. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts to express the exertion of power or ability to alter thoughts, behaviors, or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to influence" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that serves as an infinitive verb, denoting the action of affecting or altering something. Its primary communicative purpose is to express the intent or ability to cause change across various contexts. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it maintains a neutral register and is commonly found in news, academic, and wiki sources. While grammatically correct, consider the nuances of synonyms like "to persuade" or "to shape" for precise writing, and avoid overstating the degree of influence. With a high expert rating and widespread usage, "to influence" remains a reliable and effective phrase in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to affect

A general term for having an effect on something, similar in meaning but broader in scope.

to sway

This alternative suggests a gentler, more persuasive approach to affecting someone's opinion or decision.

to impact

This emphasizes the direct effect one thing has on another.

to persuade

Focuses on convincing someone to adopt a particular belief or course of action.

to shape

Suggests a more formative and lasting effect, implying a change in the fundamental nature of something.

to mold

Similar to shape, but implies a more deliberate and forceful act of changing something.

to guide

Suggests leading or directing someone's path or actions.

to control

Indicates a higher degree of power and direct management over something.

to direct

Implies giving instructions or commands that determine the course of something.

to manipulate

Implies skillful handling or control, often with a negative connotation of deception.

FAQs

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

You can use "to influence" to describe the act of affecting someone or something. For example, "The speaker aimed to to influence the audience's perspective on climate change."

What are some alternatives to "to influence"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to affect", "to sway", or "to shape".

Is it better to use "to influence" or "to impact"?

"To influence" implies a more subtle or persuasive effect, whereas "to impact" suggests a more direct and noticeable effect. Choose the word that best fits the intended meaning.

How does "to influence" differ from "to manipulate"?

"To influence" is generally neutral, while "to manipulate" often carries a negative connotation, implying skillful or cunning control, sometimes deceptively.