under his influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under his influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to suggest that someone is being influenced or affected in some way by another person. For example, "He had become increasingly arrogant over the past year under his father's influence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Under his influence, ballet in Italy flourished.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under his influence, it did gel.

The New Yorker

Under his influence, "her skin eased and opened.

The New York Times - Books

Under his influence she ceased practicing Roman Catholicism in 1540.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under his influence, the Federal Reserve Board set itself the goal of price stability.

The Washington Post

Under his influence, in his presence, she learned to concentrate her powers of observation.

The Guardian - Arts

Under his influence, those hopes and dreams came closest to becoming reality in Leicestershire.

The Guardian

Under his influence, Zhu's allegiance turned definitely to Confucianism at this time.

Britannica

Under his influence 40 beet-sugar factories were established in France.

Britannica

Berman's apartment was a gathering place for former students who remained under his influence.

The New Yorker

Under his influence Okakura worked toward reeducating the Japanese people to appreciate their own cultural heritage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under his influence", ensure that the context clearly indicates the nature and extent of the influence. Is it positive guidance, subtle persuasion, or outright control?

Common error

Avoid assuming the influence is absolute or complete. Qualify the statement if the person's actions are only partially affected by the influence. For instance, instead of saying "He acted entirely under his influence", consider "He was significantly under his influence"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under his influence" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate the state of being affected or guided by someone. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Examples show it describing various impacts, from political changes to artistic styles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under his influence" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates someone or something is being affected or guided by a particular individual. Ludwig AI confirms this. It's frequently found in news media and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral formality level. Related phrases such as "subject to his sway" or "guided by his hand" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas. When using the phrase, it's important to consider the degree and nature of the influence being described to ensure clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to his sway

Replaces "influence" with "sway", emphasizing the power or control exerted.

guided by his hand

Uses a metaphorical expression to suggest direction and control.

at his direction

Focuses on the aspect of being instructed or commanded.

owing to his impact

Highlights the effect or consequence resulting from his actions.

due to his leadership

Emphasizes the role of leadership in shaping events or decisions.

by virtue of his authority

Stresses the legitimacy and power associated with his position.

through his intervention

Indicates a direct involvement or action that causes a change.

as a result of his guidance

Highlights the supportive and advisory role.

because of his manipulation

Suggests a negative connotation of being controlled or maneuvered.

shaped by his vision

Focuses on the impact of his foresight and strategic thinking.

FAQs

How can I use "under his influence" in a sentence?

You can use "under his influence" to describe how someone's actions, decisions, or beliefs are being affected by another person. For example, "The company's new direction is largely "under his influence"".

What phrases are similar to "under his influence"?

Similar phrases include "subject to his sway", "guided by his hand", or "at his direction", depending on the context.

Is it always negative to be "under his influence"?

Not necessarily. The phrase can be neutral or even positive, depending on the nature of the influence and the context. For example, a student might thrive "under his influence".

What's the difference between "under his influence" and "because of him"?

"Under his influence" implies a more subtle and ongoing effect, while "because of him" suggests a direct cause-and-effect relationship. For example, "The project succeeded because of him" indicates direct causation, whereas "The project's tone shifted "under his influence"" suggests a more gradual change.