vie for influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vie for influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing competition among individuals or groups to gain power, authority, or sway over others. Example: "In the corporate world, many executives vie for influence to shape company policies and direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The country of 5 million people borders China in an energy-rich region where Washington and Moscow vie for influence.

The Guardian

Under Mr. Arafat's authoritarian rule, a variety of radical secular and religious groups vie for influence and popularity, often by attacking Israeli targets.

The New York Times

Other powers now vie for influence: there's a hospital built with Japanese money and construction is under way on a Chinese-funded convention centre.

The Guardian - Travel

Within the tsarist court, factions vie for influence, their rivalry given added intensity by the imminence of war and whether the country should side with France or Germany.

The Guardian - Books

Britain's current enemy is, improbably enough, France, as the two nations vie for influence in Africa in the wake of the Arab Spring.

The New York Times - Books

Today's Iraqi leaders are struggling to restrain the ambitions of the countries that share Iraq's porous borders, eye the country's rich resources and vie for influence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

India and Pakistan were both at the meeting, for instance, although they are vying for influence in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

How will the White House function with an ex-president and a vice-president vying for influence?

The Economist

Another group reportedly vying for influence is headed by Pyotr Aven, a former minister who is now president of Alfa-Bank.

The New York Times

South Africa and Libya are vying for influence on the African stage, each promoting its vision of a resurgent Africa.

The New York Times

Saudi Arabia is one of the main backers of the resistance, which has been vying for influence with Qatar.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vie for influence", ensure the context clearly indicates which entities are competing and what specific type of influence they are seeking. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "vie for influence" in contexts where simpler terms like "compete" or "seek" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vie for influence" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a competitive action. It describes the act of competing or contending for power, control, or authority in a specific domain, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vie for influence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly within news and media contexts, to describe competitive scenarios where entities strive for power or authority. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While alternatives like "compete for power" or "contend for dominance" exist, "vie for influence" carries a slightly more formal tone. When employing this phrase, ensure the context is clear about the competing entities and the specific domain of influence. Common errors include overuse in simple contexts where "compete" would suffice. This analysis provides writers with a deeper understanding of how to effectively use "vie for influence" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compete for power

Focuses on the struggle for control or authority, highlighting direct competition.

contend for dominance

Emphasizes striving for a position of superiority or leadership.

seek to dominate

Highlights the intention to gain control or supremacy over others.

strive for control

Focuses on the effort and determination to achieve control.

pursue authority

Indicates a deliberate attempt to gain official power or influence.

fight for supremacy

Highlights an intense struggle for ultimate superiority.

struggle for power

Emphasizes the difficulty and effort involved in gaining power.

compete for authority

Indicates a competitive situation aimed at gaining official power.

maneuver for position

Focuses on strategic actions taken to improve one's standing or influence.

seek to amplify impact

Highlights efforts to increase one's effect or influence on a situation or group.

FAQs

How can I use "vie for influence" in a sentence?

Use "vie for influence" to describe situations where multiple entities are competing for power or control. For example, "Several companies "compete"/"vie for influence" in the tech industry."

What are some alternatives to "vie for influence"?

Alternatives include "compete for power", "contend for dominance", or simply "compete", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "vie for influence" formal or informal?

"Vie for influence" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, journalistic, or professional contexts. Simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for informal settings.

What's the difference between "vie for influence" and "compete for influence"?

While similar, "vie for influence" often suggests a more intense or strategic struggle than "compete for influence". "Vie" implies a deliberate effort to outmaneuver rivals.