under the influence of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under the influence of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the effect of one thing or person that has on another, such as an emotional or behavioral change. Example: She started acting strangely after coming under the influence of her older sister.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

under the influence of radiation.

Princeton University

Do you fall under the influence of people?

The Guardian - Film

I was more under the influence of nuns than bongs.

The New York Times

I think they were under the influence of drugs.

The Guardian

I was under the influence of an expanded reality.

The New Yorker

Nor was I driving under the influence of liquor.

The New York Times

Some appeared to be under the influence of illegal substances.

The New York Times

The visitor is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Cornell University

§ 1004.23 Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Cornell University

(9) 4.23 Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Cornell University

But does Britain really live under the influence of Scots?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of external factors on individuals or systems, use "under the influence of" to convey how those factors affect behavior, decisions, or conditions. For example, "decisions made under the influence of stress tend to be less rational".

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something is "under the influence of" another, it is directly caused by it. Influence implies a contributing factor, not necessarily a sole cause. For instance, stating that "a policy failed entirely under the influence of public opinion" might oversimplify the complex factors at play; public opinion may have been a contributor, but likely not the only reason.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the influence of" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate a state of being affected or controlled by something. It describes the condition or circumstances under which an action occurs, as seen in Ludwig's examples where people are "under the influence of drugs" or "under the influence of radiation".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under the influence of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the state of being affected or controlled by something external. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It's crucial to use this phrase accurately, differentiating influence from causation and avoiding grammatical errors like omitting the article "the". As seen in the examples, this phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic sources. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "under the influence of" into your writing, ensuring clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to the effects of

This alternative focuses on the direct consequences or results experienced due to an external factor.

affected by

A more general term indicating that something has had an impact, without specifying the degree of control.

governed by

Implies a rule-based or structured control, often used in legal or systematic contexts.

controlled by

Suggests a more direct and intentional manipulation or command.

shaped by

Emphasizes the formative impact of something over time.

swayed by

Indicates being persuaded or moved to a certain opinion or action.

susceptible to

Highlights vulnerability or openness to being influenced.

at the mercy of

Suggests a lack of control and being subject to potentially negative consequences.

in the grip of

Indicates a strong, often negative, hold or control.

led by

Focuses on guidance or direction provided by someone or something.

FAQs

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

You can use "under the influence of" to describe how something is affected or controlled by another thing or person. For instance, "His decisions were made "subject to the effects of" peer pressure" or "The market is currently "affected by" global economic trends".

What are some alternatives to "under the influence of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""affected by"", ""subject to the effects of"", or "governed by". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "under influence of" instead of "under the influence of"?

While understandable, the phrase "under influence of" is grammatically incorrect. The correct and more commonly accepted form is "under the influence of".

What's the difference between ""affected by"" and "under the influence of"?

"Affected by" is a broader term indicating impact or change, while "under the influence of" suggests a more direct control or sway over something. For example, weather patterns are affected by climate change, while someone's judgment might be under the influence of alcohol.