Wield power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Wield power" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts discussing authority, influence, or control, often in political or leadership discussions. Example: "The new leader aims to wield power effectively to implement reforms." Alternative expressions include "exercise authority" and "hold influence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Men wield power over women.

The Guardian

The Brotherhood did not expect to wield power so soon.

The Economist

In all companies, bosses wield power, which tends to corrupt.

The Economist

At last it is beginning to resemble a government endeavouring to wield power.

The Economist

Republicans, like Democrats, are savvy political animals who want to win and wield power.

The Economist

Increasingly, they want a strong hand — elected by the people — to wield power.

The New York Times

Bigwigs are finding it harder to wield power and harder to hold on to it.

The Economist

One fundamental question of great interest to Washington is how Mr. Xi intends to wield power.

The New York Times

However, both men wield power mostly through networks of patronage and tribal influence.

The New York Times

Jefferson was born in 1743, and "he was raised to wield power".

The New York Times - Books

From him, Mr Ozawa learnt how to wield power from out of sight.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wield power" to describe the active and skillful application of authority, especially when emphasizing the manner in which someone uses their influence.

Common error

Avoid using "wield power" when you only mean someone possesses authority. "Wield power" implies active use and skillful application, not just passive possession.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wield power" functions primarily as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig, it describes the action of actively and skillfully using authority or influence. Examples in the provided data illustrate its use in describing political figures, organizations, and individuals who exert control over situations or people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wield power" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the active and skillful use of authority. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent appearance in news, formal writing, and encyclopedic contexts. It signifies more than just possessing power; it denotes the deliberate and effective application of influence. Alternative phrases, such as "exercise authority" or "exert influence", can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. However, it's crucial to differentiate between "wielding power" and simply "having power", as the former implies active usage. As such, using "wield power" correctly enhances the clarity and precision of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Exercise authority

Emphasizes the formal right to give commands and enforce obedience.

Exert influence

Focuses on the ability to affect someone or something without direct command.

Hold sway

Highlights the dominant influence over people or events.

Command influence

Suggests a natural or earned ability to lead and affect outcomes.

Exert control

Directly relates to the capacity to determine actions or behavior.

Employ authority

Stresses the active use of formal power.

Maintain dominance

Focuses on preserving a position of superiority or control.

Dominate affairs

Implies a comprehensive control over a situation or series of events.

Hold the reins

Highlights the position of control, especially in leadership.

Call the shots

Emphasizes the ability to make important decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "wield power" in a sentence?

You can use "wield power" to describe how someone skillfully uses their authority, for example: "The new leader aims to "wield power" effectively to implement reforms".

What are some alternatives to "wield power"?

Alternatives to "wield power" include "exercise authority", "exert influence", or "hold sway", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "wield power" and "have power"?

"Wield power" implies the active and skillful use of authority, while "have power" simply means possessing authority. Using "wield power" suggests a deliberate action; "have power" indicates a state of being.

Is it appropriate to use "wield power" in formal writing?

Yes, "wield power" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing political or leadership contexts. It adds a nuanced understanding of how authority is applied.