were influenced by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were influenced by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something has been affected or shaped by external factors or forces. Example: "The artists were influenced by the cultural movements of their time, which shaped their unique styles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

His early compositions were influenced by impressionism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Kurdish fundamentalists were influenced by Zawahiri".

The New Yorker

You were influenced by my answer".

The New Yorker

They were influenced by Rakim and KRS1.

The Guardian - Music

But I don't think they were influenced by them".

The New York Times - Magazine

Her designs were influenced by her vibrance, warmth and charm.

The New York Times

They were influenced by secular philosophy and liberal Protestant theology.

The New York Times

Many of its members were influenced by leftist ideas.

The New York Times

Their trapeze dresses were influenced by Twiggy, he adds.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

(Although the early innovators were influenced by the English language, their followers were influenced by Arabic).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those who did, however, were influenced by his operas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were influenced by", ensure that you clearly identify both the subject being influenced and the source of influence to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague statements where the source of influence is not explicitly stated. For example, instead of saying "Decisions were influenced", specify "Decisions were influenced by market trends" to provide a more precise understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were influenced by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject received the action of being influenced. It suggests that external factors or forces played a role in shaping or affecting the subject. Ludwig confirms that it is used to indicate that someone or something has been affected or shaped by external factors or forces.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

18%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were influenced by" is a grammatically correct and widely used passive construction that indicates how a subject has been affected or shaped by external factors. Ludwig confirms its widespread usage in describing the impact of external factors on various subjects. It's commonly found in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using the phrase, ensure you clearly specify both the subject and the source of influence to avoid vagueness. Alternative phrases such as "were affected by" and "were shaped by" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were shaped by

This alternative focuses on the formative impact, emphasizing the molding effect of something on a subject.

were affected by

This suggests a broader impact, including emotional or physical changes, not just a directional influence.

were impacted by

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

were molded by

Suggests a more direct and intentional shaping or forming of something.

were determined by

This indicates a causal relationship where the outcome was decided by specific factors.

were guided by

Implies a directional influence, like being led or directed by something.

were informed by

Suggests influence through knowledge or information.

were dictated by

This conveys a strong sense of control, where decisions or outcomes were commanded by something.

were contingent upon

Highlights that the result depended on certain conditions or circumstances.

were subject to

This emphasizes that something was exposed to or underwent a certain influence.

FAQs

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

Use "were influenced by" to indicate that something has been affected or shaped by external factors. For example, "The artist's paintings "were influenced by" the Impressionist movement."

What are some alternatives to "were influenced by"?

You can use alternatives such as "were affected by", "were shaped by", or "were impacted by", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "were influenced by" or "was influenced by"?

"Were influenced by" is used for plural subjects, while "was influenced by" is used for singular subjects. For example, "The decisions were influenced by data", but "The decision was influenced by data."

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

"Were influenced by" suggests a broader impact or effect, whereas "were inspired by" implies a motivational or creative impulse. Influence can be subtle and even unconscious, while inspiration is often a more deliberate and positive effect.