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Definition influence in British English

influence noun

noun
/ˈɪnfluəns/

The usual preposition that follows the noun ong>influenceong> is on. Don’t use the preposition to:

✗ Television brings many benefits, but it can also have a bad influence to people.

✓ Television brings many benefits, but it can also have a bad influence on people.

✗ Cyber cafés have a positive influence to the economy.

✓ Cyber cafés have a positive influence on the economy.

The preposition over can also be used with ong>influenceong>, but it is much less frequent than on:

In reality, the government has limited influence over what happens.

1

the effect that a person or thing has on someone's decisions, opinions, or behaviour or on the way something happens

Example

Without his famous father's influence, he would never have got the job.

Example

He couldn't hope to exert any real influence in the new department.

Example

Teachers have considerable influence over what is taught in the classroom.

Example

The decision-making process will be free from outside influence.

Synonyms and related words
2

a person or thing that has an effect on someone or something

Example

His years in Hollywood were artistically a very destructive influence on his films.

Example

The family thought Anne was a good influence on their son.

Synonyms and related words
Definition influence in British English