What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
power
Example
The president has a lot of power over the country's policies. [power: noun]
Example
The storm knocked out the power in our neighborhood. [power: noun]
influence
Example
Her parents had a strong influence on her career choice. [influence: noun]
Example
The new teacher influenced the students to work harder. [influenced: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Power is more commonly used than influence in everyday language, especially in contexts related to politics, business, or sports. Influence is more commonly used in social or personal contexts, such as relationships, education, or culture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between power and influence?
Power is often associated with a formal or serious tone, while influence can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation.
