influence

When used as a noun, "influence" is often uncountable when referring to the general power to affect someone. For example, you would say "she has a lot of influence," not "many influences." However, it can be countable when referring to specific people or things that shaped someone's character. For instance, "He had several artistic influences in his youth." When used as a verb, avoid using the word "on" immediately after it. Correct: "The moon influences the tides." Incorrect: "The moon influences on the tides."