In power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In power" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone who holds a position of authority or control, often in a political context. Example: "The new administration has been in power for over a year now, and many are eager to see the changes they promised."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In power, he faces daunting challenges.

Independent

In Power Since: 2004.

Forbes

He remains in power.

The Economist

Those in power disagreed.

The Economist

Those scenes vary in power.

The New York Times

Politicians are interested in power.

Independent

What keeps him in power?

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, Assad remains in power.

The New Yorker

And the global shift in power?

Independent

He was interested in power and access.

The New Yorker

In office, Mr Thaksin revelled in power.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "In power", ensure the context clearly indicates the scope and nature of the power being referred to, whether it's political, social, or economic. Providing specific details enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "In power" always refers to political authority. The phrase can also describe someone who holds significant influence in a specific domain, such as "in power" within a company or organization. Be explicit about the context to avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In power" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes the state or condition of holding authority or control, typically within a political or organizational context. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "In power" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates the state of holding authority or control. Ludwig confirms its correctness and wide applicability. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it serves to inform about who currently wields power. When using "In power", consider the specific context (political, social, or economic) to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity, also avoid assuming it always refers to political authority and clarify the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In office

Focuses specifically on holding a governmental or organizational position.

In control

Emphasizes the aspect of managing and directing a situation or entity.

At the helm

Suggests leadership and guidance, often in a challenging situation.

In charge

Indicates direct responsibility and oversight.

In command

Implies a position of authority, especially in a military or hierarchical context.

In authority

Highlights the legitimate right to exercise power and give orders.

At the top

Emphasizes the highest rank or position in an organization or hierarchy.

Ruling

Focuses on the act of governing and making decisions for a country or group.

Governing

Describes the action of exercising political authority and control.

Holding sway

Suggests having a significant influence or power over someone or something.

FAQs

How to use "In power" in a sentence?

You can use "In power" to describe a person, group, or political party that currently holds authority. For example: "The ruling party has been "in power" for over a decade."

What can I say instead of "In power"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "in office", "in control", or "at the helm".

Is it correct to say "The power" instead of "In power"?

While "the power" refers to the ability to influence or control, ""in power"" specifically denotes someone who is currently exercising that influence or control. They have different meanings.

What's the difference between "In power" and "Having power"?

"In power" refers to the current state of holding authority, whereas "having power" is a more general term indicating the capacity to influence or control, whether currently exercised or not. You can have power without being "in power".