was influenced by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'was influenced by' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone or something was affected by external factors. Example: The painter's style was influenced by the work of the great European masters.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The American movement was influenced by Europe.

The New Yorker

Later he was influenced by Paul Gauguin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

German Lutheranism was influenced by these developments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She was influenced by feminism.

The Guardian - Arts

This was influenced by the scoring.

The New York Times

I was influenced by so many people.

The New Yorker

That group was influenced by the Brotherhood.

The New Yorker

I was influenced by this channel.

The Guardian

The Duran aesthetic was influenced by that.

The Guardian - Music

He was influenced by this philosophy".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Most writers have been influenced by Faulkner.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was influenced by", ensure you clearly identify both the subject being influenced and the source of the influence to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "was influenced by" without specifying what exerted the influence. This can leave the sentence vague and open to misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was influenced by" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject has been affected, shaped, or altered by an external force or factor. It's commonly used to show causality or connection between events, ideas, or individuals. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was influenced by" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to express that someone or something has been affected by an external factor. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is correct and widespread. It finds frequent application across various domains, especially within News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science. When employing this phrase, be sure to clarify the source of influence to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives such as "was affected by" or "was shaped by" can add nuanced meaning depending on the context. By clearly specifying both the subject and the influencing agent, writers can effectively convey the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was affected by

Indicates a general impact or change resulting from something.

was shaped by

Suggests a more formative influence, implying a significant change in form or character.

was impacted by

Similar to 'affected by', but often implies a more forceful or noticeable effect.

was molded by

Implies a strong, shaping influence, like clay being formed.

was determined by

Indicates that something was decided or controlled by a specific factor.

was guided by

Suggests that actions or decisions were directed or advised by something.

was inspired by

Implies that something served as a creative or motivational source.

was colored by

Suggests that something was given a particular character or aspect by an influencing factor.

was swayed by

Indicates that someone's opinion or decision was changed by persuasion or influence.

was predicated on

Suggests that something's existence or validity depends on something else.

FAQs

How can I use "was influenced by" in a sentence?

Use "was influenced by" to show that something or someone's actions, thoughts, or creation has been affected by something else. For example, "Her decision "was influenced by" her parents' advice".

What can I say instead of "was influenced by"?

You can use alternatives like "was affected by", "was shaped by", or "was impacted by" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "influenced by"?

While "was influenced by" is in passive voice, it's often suitable when the influencing factor is more important or the subject is unknown. You can use the active voice (e.g., "...influenced...") when the actor is more relevant.

What's the difference between "was inspired by" and "was influenced by"?

"Was inspired by" suggests a positive, motivational effect, often leading to creative work. "Was influenced by" is more general, indicating any kind of impact, positive or negative.