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Prepositions with nouns

Of, for, in, with or under influence?

Influence combines with several prepositions, but each has a different meaning. Some combinations are standard fixed expressions, while others are uncommon or context-dependent.

Quick answer

Common prepositions with influence

The most common patterns are influence on something and influence over someone or something. Under the influence is a fixed expression about alcohol, drugs, or strong control. Influence of is used when naming the source of influence. Influence for is uncommon and usually appears only in specific contexts such as campaigns for influence.

Her speech had a strong influence on public opinion.
The manager has considerable influence over hiring decisions.
He was driving under the influence of alcohol.
You can see the influence of jazz in her music.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
influence on + target

Showing effect on something

Use influence on for the thing or person affected.

Advertising has a major influence on consumer behaviour.
Weather can have an influence on crop production.
2
influence over + person or process

Showing control or power

Use influence over when someone has power or authority.

She gained more influence over company policy.
The group has little influence over local decisions.
3
influence of + source

Naming the source of influence

Use influence of to identify what creates the influence.

The influence of social media is growing.
We studied the influence of climate on migration.
4
under the influence of + substance

Talking about intoxication or strong control

Under the influence is a fixed expression, especially for alcohol or drugs.

He was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs.
The decision was made under the influence of fear.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
influence on
The policy had an influence on trade.
Shows effect on something.
influence over
She has influence over the board.
Shows control or authority.
influence of
The influence of television is obvious.
Names the source of influence.
under the influence
He was under the influence of alcohol.
Fixed expression for intoxication or strong control.
influence for
The lobby group competed for influence in the capital.
For usually does not follow influence directly; here for belongs to competed for, not influence.
in influence
The party remained in influence for years.
This is not standard English; use in power or influential instead.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using in influence as a fixed phrase

English does not normally use in influence to mean powerful or influential.

✕ The minister is in influence. ✓ The minister is influential.

Using influence for someone affected

Use influence on for the affected person or thing.

✕ The campaign had influence for voters. ✓ The campaign had influence on voters.

Confusing influence on and influence over

On means effect; over means control.

✕ She has influence on the staff schedule decisions. ✓ She has influence over the staff schedule decisions.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The teacher had a positive influence ___ the students.
2. The director has influence ___ budget decisions.
3. He was arrested for driving under the influence ___ alcohol.

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Frequently asked questions

Is influence for correct?

Usually no as a direct pattern after influence. English more often uses influence on or influence over.

What is the difference between influence on and influence over?

Influence on means effect. Influence over means power or control.

Can under the influence be used figuratively?

Yes. It can describe strong emotional or social control, not only alcohol or drugs.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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