Meaning & use
exerting
Last updated
“exerting” is a form of “exert”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitive
Using power, influence, or pressure to make something happen or to affect someone.
Grammar: Takes an object, usually a noun like pressure, influence, or control: She was exerting pressure on the committee.
Patterns
- exerting pressure on someone
- exerting influence over something
- exerting control over someone
- exerting force on something
The union has been exerting pressure on the government to raise wages.
He was exerting considerable influence over the younger members of the team.
By exerting control early, the manager avoided a long dispute.
verbintransitive
Making a great physical or mental effort to do something.
Grammar: No object; often followed by a phrase like to do something or in doing something: They were exerting themselves to finish on time.
Patterns
- exerting yourself to do something
- exerting yourself in doing something
She was exerting herself to lift the heavy box onto the shelf.
The students were exerting themselves in preparation for the final exam.
You shouldn't be exerting yourself so soon after the operation.
Word forms
| third person singular | exerts |
|---|---|
| past tense | exerted |
| past participle | exerted |
| -ing form | exerting |
Common combinations
- exerting pressure
- They are exerting pressure on the company to change its policy.
- exerting influence
- The newspaper is exerting influence over public opinion.
- exerting control
- The new coach is exerting control over every part of the training.
- exerting force
- The machine is exerting force on the metal sheet.
- exerting yourself
- He was exerting himself too much during the race.
Synonyms and how they differ
- applying
- Use applying when you mean putting something such as pressure or a method into action; exerting is more common when the emphasis is on the strength or effort behind it.
- wielding
- Wielding suggests holding and using power or authority openly; exerting focuses on the act of using that power to produce an effect.
- exercising
- Exercising is often used with rights, authority, or patience; exerting is more typical with pressure, influence, or force.
Word family
Commonly confused: exerting or exiting?
exerting vs exiting
Exiting means going out or leaving a place; exerting means using power or effort. They sound somewhat similar but have completely different meanings.
Practice
The coach has been _____ pressure on the players to train harder.
Choose one answer.
After the auxiliary 'has been', we need the -ing form 'exerting' to make the present perfect continuous. 'Exert' is the base form and cannot follow 'has been'; 'exerted' would need 'has' alone (has exerted); 'exerts' is present simple and does not fit after 'has been'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “exerting”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.