influence

The power to change what people think or do, or how something develops.

• She has a lot of influence.
• His political influence grew after the election.
• Parents have considerable influence over their children's choices.

How to use it: have influence over someone/something (She has considerable influence over the committee.); under the influence of someone/something (He changed his plans under the influence of his friends.)

Similar words: power, sway, clout

Common phrases: political influence, have influence, influence over someone, under someone's influence

A person or thing that changes how someone thinks, behaves, or develops.

• Her brother is a bad influence.
• Jazz was a major influence on his music.
• Who were the strongest influences on your writing?

How to use it: an influence on someone/something (Her teacher was a positive influence on her.)

Common phrases: a good influence, a bad influence, major influence, influence on someone

The effect that someone or something has in changing another person's thoughts, actions, or development.

• The book's influence lasted for years.
• They tried to exercise influence over the judges.
• We studied the influence of sleep on memory.

How to use it: exert influence on someone/something (Advertising exerts influence on our choices.)

Similar words: effect, impact

Common phrases: exert influence, exercise influence, influence on something, direct influence

To affect what someone does or what happens, often by changing ideas or feelings.

• His friends influence his choices.
• The film influenced her to study medicine.
• Did the weather influence your decision to stay?

How to use it: influence someone to do something (Her advice influenced me to apply for the job.)

Similar words: affect, sway, persuade

Common phrases: influence someone, influence a decision, influence someone's behaviour, influence events