under Influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under Influence" is not correct as it is missing an article.
It should be "under the influence." You can use it when referring to someone who is affected by a substance, typically alcohol or drugs. Example: "He was arrested for driving under the influence after failing a sobriety test."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Under Influence?

Independent

Fell under influence also of Kenneth MacGowan and Stark Young.

The New Yorker

Under "Influence," click on Physical Activity Guidelines From ACSM and AHA.

The New York Times - Health

However, they are under influence of government, and they are continuing attacks".

The New York Times

Only on the northern and western edges of the area, under influence from Igala and Benin, are hereditary rulers found.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was rejected under influence of the ANC as it was then thinking, because they did not want, at that stage, to negotiate with the apartheid government.

The Guardian

Figure 1 represents such maps under influence of different liquids.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Driver rehabilitation (DR) is one possible countermeasure for drivers under influence of alcohol (DUI) and drivers under influence of illicit drugs (DUID).

European Transport Research Review

Open image in new window Fig. 6 Mud properties under influence of sodium chloride.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Open image in new window Fig. 7 Mud properties under influence of potassium chloride.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

The model showed that the effective pinning landscape changes under influence of external conditions.

Physica C: Superconductivity

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the complete phrase "under the influence" when referring to the state of being affected by a substance like alcohol or drugs. Omitting "the" is grammatically incorrect.

Common error

Avoid omitting the article "the" before "influence". While "under influence" is sometimes used, especially informally, the correct and widely accepted form is "under the influence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under influence" functions primarily as a modifier, often describing a state or condition. Though grammatically incorrect, Ludwig examples show its usage across different contexts, generally aiming to describe a state of being affected by something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under influence" is frequently used but grammatically incorrect. According to Ludwig AI, the correct form is "under the influence", as it requires the article "the". While examples show its presence across diverse sources like science, news, and wiki, this usage is not considered standard. To ensure clarity and grammatical correctness, it's best to use the complete phrase "under the influence" or explore alternatives such as "affected by" or "controlled by" for more formal or precise communication. Remembering the article will make your writing more accurate and professional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affected by

Focuses on the state of being changed or impacted by something.

swayed by

Emphasizes the act of being persuaded or convinced.

subject to

Highlights the condition of being controlled or governed by something.

controlled by

Directly indicates that something is being managed or directed by an external force.

in thrall to

Suggests a state of being captivated or dominated by something.

at the mercy of

Indicates a lack of control and dependence on an external force.

susceptible to

Implies a vulnerability or proneness to being affected.

vulnerable to

Similar to susceptible, but emphasizes the potential for harm or negative impact.

guided by

Focuses on the direction or leadership provided by something.

shaped by

Highlights the formative impact of something on character or development.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "under the influence"?

Being "under the influence" typically means that a person's mental or physical abilities are impaired due to the effects of alcohol, drugs, or other substances.

Is it grammatically correct to say "under influence"?

No, the grammatically correct phrase is "under the influence". The article "the" is necessary for proper grammar.

What are some synonyms for "under the influence"?

Synonyms for "under the influence" include "intoxicated", "impaired", and "affected by" depending on the context.

What are the legal consequences of being "under the influence"?

The legal consequences of being "under the influence", especially while operating a vehicle, can include fines, license suspension, jail time, and a criminal record.