wield significant influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wield significant influence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe a person or organization that has a strong or notable effect on something. For example: "The United Nations wields significant influence on international affairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Party executives wield significant influence, helping to determine policy, raise funds and organise campaigns and preselections.

The Guardian

The West, which in the past has been able to wield significant influence over Turkey, should not let this happen.

Independent

This access has shown the Americans that indigenous women wield significant influence with their husbands, brothers and, especially, their adolescent sons.

The New York Times

In a small county, it's a little easier to do: an established politician can wield significant influence, and an outraged blogger can help to shape a race.

The New Yorker

So it's not surprising that those heading the P.T.A.'s are perceived to wield significant influence in how schools are run.

The New York Times

Mr. Dodd is in a position to wield significant influence, since he is a senior member of several committees with jurisdiction over these issues.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Hughes's successors also wielded significant influence on politics.

The New York Times

He also wielded significant influence in the growth of the study of church history in America.

Columbia University

Since the 1960's, he has wielded significant influence in Washington.

The New York Times

Asa'ib ahl al-Haq wields significant influence in many areas and often guards entrances to neighbourhoods that are deemed insecure.

The Guardian

But while Mr. Matteo advised the board and had no voting privileges, as its chairman, Mr. Shapiro wielded significant influence over the planning board.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wield significant influence" when you want to emphasize the active and often strategic application of power or impact, especially by an individual or organization.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "wield significant influence" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "have a big impact" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wield significant influence" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase, indicating the action of exerting considerable power or impact. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wield significant influence" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the exertion of considerable power or impact. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in formal business and scientific contexts. When aiming to convey the strategic application of power, especially by an individual or organization, "wield significant influence" is appropriate. While simpler phrases may be better suited for casual conversation, its precise meaning and subtle connotations make it a powerful choice for formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert considerable influence

Replaces "wield" with "exert" and "significant" with "considerable", focusing on the active application of influence.

exercise substantial control

Shifts from influence to control, emphasizing the power aspect and uses "substantial" instead of "significant".

have a major impact

Simplifies the expression, focusing on the effect rather than the act of wielding influence.

carry considerable weight

Uses a metaphor to describe influence as a burden or importance that is carried.

command considerable power

Emphasizes the power aspect of influence, suggesting authority and control.

hold sway

A more concise and somewhat literary way of saying "wield influence".

dominate the decision-making

Focuses on the control of choices and outcomes, implying strong influence.

have a strong hand

Suggests a position of control and influence, particularly in negotiations or strategic situations.

exert a powerful effect

Highlights the powerful results of someone's actions on others.

affect significantly

A more direct way of indicating major influence or impact.

FAQs

How can I use "wield significant influence" in a sentence?

You can use "wield significant influence" to describe someone or something that has a strong effect or control over others. For example, "The president "wields significant influence" over policy decisions".

What are some alternatives to "wield significant influence"?

Alternatives include "exert considerable influence", "exercise substantial control", or "have a major impact" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "wield influence" or "have influence"?

"Wield influence" suggests a more active and deliberate use of power, while "have influence" simply indicates possession of it. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the active application of influence.

What is the difference between "wield significant influence" and "exert significant influence"?

"Wield" often implies a skillful or strategic application of influence, while "exert" simply means to apply or use influence. The difference is subtle, but "wield" carries a connotation of expertise.