What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dictate
Example
The boss dictated the new policy to the team. [dictated: past tense]
Example
The company's financial situation dictated the need for layoffs. [dictated: verb]
Example
The weather conditions dictated that we cancel the outdoor event. [dictated: verb]
influence
Example
Her parents' values influenced her decision to pursue a career in medicine. [influenced: past tense]
Example
The media's coverage of the election influenced the public's perception of the candidates. [influenced: verb]
Example
The teacher's feedback had a positive influence on the student's writing skills. [influence: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Influence is more commonly used than dictate in everyday language. Influence is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dictate is less common and often associated with more formal or authoritative language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dictate and influence?
Dictate is typically associated with a more formal or authoritative tone, while influence can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
