What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
influence
Example
Her speech had a great influence on the audience. [influence: noun]
Example
He tried to influence her decision by presenting his arguments. [influence: verb]
control
Example
She has control over the company's finances. [control: noun]
Example
He tried to control his anger by taking deep breaths. [control: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Control is more commonly used than influence in everyday language. Control is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while influence is less common and often used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between influence and control?
While influence can be used in both formal and informal contexts, control is often associated with a more formal tone, especially in professional or academic settings.