weaken the influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weaken the influence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the reduction of someone's power, authority, or effect in a particular context. Example: "The new policy aims to weaken the influence of lobbyists in the legislative process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Both measures would significantly weaken the influence of state regulators.

The New York Times

Turkish officials claim that bolstering Ahrar al-Sham will weaken the influence of al-Nusra.

Independent

The programme also discloses that MI5 planted an agent to weaken the influence of Derek Robinson, the union leader at British Leyland's Longbridge plant in the 1970s.

The Guardian

And given that those regressive elements are closely aligned with the larger Putin project – to weaken the influence of the west and to re-aggrandise Russia's sense of national identity – this surely complicates Jones's argument for a cultural boycott.

The Guardian

It's striking that dictatorial and aggressive and fanatical regimes — whatever their differences — seem happy to work together to weaken the influence of the United States and its democratic allies.

The New York Times

She and other community members teamed up with the Police Department to begin a youth group to keep the children off the streets and weaken the influence of the gangs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Mr. Putin's move also weakens the influence of President Aslan Maskhadov of Chechnya in his proposals for peace talks.

The New York Times

Political analysts and elected officials say that over the last seven years, the mayor's largely nonpartisan, inclusive brand of governance has weakened the influence of the traditional political parties, which had fueled many of the city's major battles.

The New York Times

The charter, drawn up under the eye of the generals who seized power last September, returns the country to democracy but weakens the influence of electoral politics and strengthens the hand of the bureaucracy and the military.

The New York Times

There is a feeling that globalisation has increased the power of multinationals to exploit the poor and underpaid, at the same time as it has weakened the influence of trade unions and other organisations designed to protect them.

The Economist

At present, few probably want his job.The electoral reforms of 1994, which made campaigning for the Diet (parliament) cheaper, also weakened the influence of the LDP's old factional bosses and the role they played in doling out campaign cash and promoting young lieutenants from within.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weaken the influence", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being weakened and what the intended outcome is. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "weaken the influence" in overly complex sentences. Simplify the sentence structure for better readability and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weaken the influence" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of reducing the power, authority, or effect that someone or something has. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "weaken the influence" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the action of diminishing power or authority. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal contexts, indicating its versatility across various writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being weakened and the intended outcome. Alternatives like "diminish the influence" or "reduce the power" can be used to add nuance. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively employ "weaken the influence" to convey their intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminish the influence

Emphasizes a gradual reduction in influence.

reduce the power

Focuses on decreasing the strength or control held by something.

lessen the impact

Highlights the reduction in the effect or consequence of something.

soften the influence

Suggests a gentler or less direct approach to reducing influence.

curtail the impact

Implies limiting or restricting the effect.

erode the authority

Signifies gradually wearing away at someone's command or control.

undermine the power

Suggests weakening the foundation or basis of power.

alleviate the control

Focuses on easing or relieving the extent of control.

mitigate the effect

Emphasizes making the effect less severe or serious.

impair the sway

Indicates damaging or weakening someone's persuasive ability.

FAQs

How can I use "weaken the influence" in a sentence?

You can use "weaken the influence" to describe actions that reduce someone's power or authority. For example: "The new regulations aim to "weaken the influence" of lobbyists."

What are some alternatives to "weaken the influence"?

Alternatives include "diminish the influence", "reduce the power", or "lessen the impact", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "weaken the influence of" or "weaken the impact of"?

The choice depends on the context. "Weaken the influence of" refers to reducing someone's ability to affect decisions or actions, while "weaken the impact of" refers to lessening the effect or consequence of something.

What does it mean to "erode the authority" vs "weaken the influence"?

Erode the authority suggests a gradual wearing away of someone's command or control, while "weaken the influence" indicates a more general reduction in their ability to affect outcomes.