Influence, influence on and influence over?

Influence, influence on and influence over?

We use the word Influence when we are talking about someone or something having an effect. We can use it on its own or with “on” or “over”

When we use it on its own, influence can be either a verb or a noun:

• The teacher influenced them. (verb)
• The teacher was a good influence. (noun)

When we use influence on we make it clear who or what is being influenced. In this case we use it in a noun form:

• Our upbringing has a strong influence on the sort of life we lead.
• The weather has an influence on where we go on holiday.
• This book had a major influence on scientific theory.

BUT, it would be just as correct to say:

• Our upbringing influences the sort of life we lead.
• The weather influences where we go on holiday.  
• This book influenced scientific theory.

We often talk about a good influence or a bad influence:

• My parents said that my friend was a bad influence.
• My parents said that my friend was a bad influence on me.
• He is a good influence.
• He is a good influence on younger members of the club.

Remember that you can never use “on” when we are using Influence as a verb. We can say “The priest influenced me”, or “The priest has an influence on me”, but not “The priest influenced on me”.

We use influence over in a slightly different way. It indicates a certain amount of power, authority or control:               

• The gang leader has a strong influence over the gang members.
• Some politicians try to have an influence over the way we spend our money.
• We don’t have much influence over the weather.

Again, you should never use “over” when you are using influence as a verb. We can say “Victoria influences him” or “Victoria has an influence over him” but not “Victoria influences over him”.

Finally, you might see or hear the phrase under the influence. This might be used in such expressions as:

• When he was younger, he came under the influence of some bad people.
• She has always been under the influence of her mother.

Perhaps the most common use of under the influence is when we talk about someone whose behaviour is affected by alcohol or drugs.

• His behaviour made me wonder if he was under the influence.
• The police officer accused him of driving while under the influence.

_{Posted by Graham}

_{Thanks to Yula for the idea}