Grammar fix

strong influence

big effect

To have a powerful effect on someone or something, changing the way they think, feel, or behave.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

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

Pattern: have/exert a strong influence (on someone/something)

WrongHer parents had a strong influence to her.

RightHer parents had a strong influence on her.

Influence ON or OVER someone, not 'to'.

Patternhave/exert a strong influence (on someone/something)

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Her parents exerted a considerable degree of influence over her.

Natural Her parents had a strong influence on her.

Natural; 'exerted a considerable degree of influence' is heavy.

Words that usually travel with it.

Compare with 'slight influence', which means only a small effect.