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.
In my opinion, teachers have a strong influence on students' attitudes towards learning, especially at a young age.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Her parents had a strong influence to her.
Say: Her parents had a strong influence on her.
Influence ON or OVER someone, not 'to'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
Natural; 'exerted a considerable degree of influence' is heavy.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
a strong influence on
- on
- over
- have
- exert