strong influence — big effect
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
To have a powerful effect on someone or something, changing the way they think, feel, or behave.
Say it like a native
Textbook Her parents exerted a considerable degree of influence over her.
Native Her parents had a strong influence on her.
Natural; 'exerted a considerable degree of influence' is heavy.
Pattern: have/exert a strong influence (on someone/something)
In use
- My parents had a strong influence on my choice of career.daily life
- In my opinion, teachers have a strong influence on students' attitudes towards learning, especially at a young age.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Her parents had a strong influence to her.
✓ Her parents had a strong influence on her.
Influence ON or OVER someone, not 'to'.
Common collocations
a strong influence on— on, over, have, exert
Don't confuse it
Compare with 'slight influence', which means only a small effect.