What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clout
Example
The CEO of the company has a lot of clout in the business world. [clout: noun]
Example
Her endorsement carries a lot of clout and can greatly influence consumer behavior. [clout: noun]
influence
Example
Her parents have a strong influence on her career choices. [influence: noun]
Example
He tried to influence his friends to join the volunteer project. [influence: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Influence is more commonly used than clout in everyday language. Influence is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while clout is less common and may be more formal or specialized.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clout and influence?
While clout is often associated with a more formal or specialized tone, influence can be used in both formal and informal contexts.