A2 verb Neutral #402 most common

influence

/ˈɪnfluəns/

To affect or change the way someone behaves, thinks, or develops. It can also describe the power to change how something happens or works.

Examples

3 of 5
1

My older sister influenced me to start playing the guitar.

My older sister influenced me to start playing the guitar.

2

The committee's report will likely influence the final decision.

The committee's report will likely influence the final decision.

3

Don't let the weather influence your mood today!

Don't let the weather influence your mood today!

Word Family

Noun
influence
Verb
influence
Adverb
influentially
Adjective
influential
Related
influencer
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'In-Flow-Ence'. Imagine an idea 'flowing into' someone's head to change their mind.

Quick Quiz

The teacher's kind words ______ the student to work harder.

Correct!

The correct answer is: influenced

Examples

1

My older sister influenced me to start playing the guitar.

everyday

My older sister influenced me to start playing the guitar.

2

The committee's report will likely influence the final decision.

formal

The committee's report will likely influence the final decision.

3

Don't let the weather influence your mood today!

informal

Don't let the weather influence your mood today!

4

Researchers are studying how environment can influence brain development.

academic

Researchers are studying how environment can influence brain development.

5

Our marketing strategy is designed to influence consumer behavior.

business

Our marketing strategy is designed to influence consumer behavior.

Word Family

Noun
influence
Verb
influence
Adverb
influentially
Adjective
influential
Related
influencer

Common Collocations

heavily influence heavily influence
influence a decision influence a decision
positive influence positive influence
influence public opinion influence public opinion
direct influence direct influence

Common Phrases

under the influence

under the influence

a good influence

a good influence

exert influence

exert influence

Often Confused With

influence vs affect

Affect is the general act of making a change, while influence often implies a more gradual or psychological power over someone's choices.

📝

Usage Notes

The word functions as both a noun and a verb with the same spelling. It is a transitive verb, meaning it is followed directly by an object without a preposition.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is adding 'on' after the verb (e.g., 'He influenced on me' is incorrect; it should be 'He influenced me').

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'In-Flow-Ence'. Imagine an idea 'flowing into' someone's head to change their mind.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin 'influere', which means 'to flow into', originally referring to the power of stars to affect human destiny.

Grammar Patterns

influence + object to be influenced by + agent can influence how/where/what
🌍

Cultural Context

In modern English, the noun 'influencer' specifically refers to people on social media who have the power to affect the buying habits of others.

Quick Quiz

The teacher's kind words ______ the student to work harder.

Correct!

The correct answer is: influenced

Related Phrases

Related Words

inautoency

C1

Describing a state of being incapable of self-initiated action or lacking independent agency. It refers to systems, behaviors, or individuals that remain passive and require an external trigger or command to function.

ancarny

C1

Relating to deep, ancient instincts or primal physical sensations that evoke a sense of mystery or unsettling familiarity. It describes behaviors or feelings that seem to be inherited from prehistoric ancestors and manifest in modern contexts.

tripendward

C1

Describing a trajectory, movement, or orientation directed toward a three-fold suspension or a point supported by three distinct anchors. It characterizes an object or path that leans toward a junction where three entities or supports meet.

synacrness

C1

Describing a quality of simultaneous acute precision and synchronized coordination. It refers to the state where multiple sharp or intense elements occur at once with perfect alignment.

unmalance

C1

A state of persistent or structural lack of equilibrium, specifically when this lack of balance leads to a detrimental or inefficient outcome. It is often used in technical or test-specific environments to describe systems where the distribution of elements is intentionally or erroneously skewed.

comtermness

C1

To engage in the process of establishing common terminology or shared linguistic understanding within a specific group. It involves negotiating and refining definitions to ensure all parties are aligned on technical concepts.

semifinism

C1

Relating to a state of partial completion or an intermediate stage in a process where a final goal is reached in function but not in form. It describes something that is operational yet lacks the definitive polish or finality of a completed work.

revaltion

C1

A revelation is the act of revealing or disclosing a surprising and previously unknown fact, especially one that is made in a dramatic way. It can also refer to a divine or supernatural disclosure of information to humanity.

bifugcy

C1

To divide or branch into two distinct, often divergent paths or outcomes, typically used in contexts involving complex decision-making or evolutionary processes. It implies a definitive split where the resulting entities develop independently and no longer overlap.

intravictship

C1

Describing the internal relations, dynamics, or psychological states that exist within a group sharing a common victory or high-status achievement. It refers specifically to the nuances of interaction between members who are part of the same successful collective.

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