Grammar fix
undue influence
improper or excessive influence (especially over decisions or people)
The act of affecting someone's decisions, actions, or opinions in a way that is inappropriate, excessive, or unfair, often by using power, authority, or pressure.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The investigation found that the manager had exerted undue influence over the hiring process.
In my opinion, advertising can have an undue influence on young people, especially when it comes to unhealthy food choices.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He had an undue influence over her.
Say: He had undue influence over her.
'Undue influence' is uncountable in this sense — no 'an'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Undue influence' is the fixed (often legal) term; spelling it out loses the precise meaning.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
undue influence + over
- over the elderly
- exert undue influence
- under
- claims of