a check on power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a check on power" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking or writing about a system or measure that limits or restrains the power of another entity or system. For example, "The Supreme Court acts as a check on power to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Journalism has a value, a purpose — to serve as a check on power".

The New York Times

That's potentially a big problem at a time of great change, great political and policy debate -- and when the political opposition is so weak that the media arguably has a heightened role at this moment as a check on power.

Stanford University

That session seems likely to focus narrowly on ways that the 70-million-member ruling party can increase its effectiveness and reduce graft, though some officials have argued for expanding the role of elections within the party as a check on power.

The New York Times

Satire is a check on power.

Huffington Post

Instead, the media has been relegated to serving as extensions of the government rather than a check on power.

Huffington Post

"Voters are looking for someone to be a check on power, which I think is a really big thing in Texas," Nelson added.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Our three branches of government, our tradition of states rights versus federal power, all intentionally put a check on the power of any one branch or any one party or any one person to rule without compromise.

Los Angeles Times

The classic distinction between the right and the left is that the right represents the uninhibited force of natural power, while the left represents a check on natural power in the name of an idea.

The New Yorker

Companies actually prevent each other from gaining too much power, and also act as a check on the power of governments that would otherwise be running the economy.

The Economist

It also means that for the first time since the elections, the president has a check on his power — albeit a limited one since Afghanistan's Constitution and political system favor the executive branch.

The New York Times

That authority was a check on the power of the Police Department, which, in the words of one former department official, "tends to arrogate power to itself".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing governmental systems or organizational structures, use "a check on power" to highlight mechanisms that prevent abuse of authority.

Common error

Ensure you are using the correct spelling: "check" (meaning a restraint or control), not "cheque" (a bank draft). For example, use "a check on power", not "a cheque on power".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a check on power" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a mechanism or system designed to limit or restrain authority. It's often used in political and legal contexts to describe how power is distributed and controlled. Ludwig's examples show the phrase primarily refers to governance and institutional oversight.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a check on power" is a noun phrase that describes a mechanism or system designed to limit authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and academic contexts. When using the phrase, ensure you're referring to a system that actively restrains power and that you use the correct spelling ("check" not "cheque"). Alternatives include "restraint on authority" or "limit on dominance". Remembering these tips will help you effectively communicate about governance and oversight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brake on power

Replaces "check" with "brake", illustrating a mechanism that slows down or stops power.

restraint on authority

Replaces "check" with "restraint" and "power" with "authority", focusing on limiting influence.

limit on dominance

Substitutes "check" with "limit" and "power" with "dominance", emphasizing restriction of control.

curb on authority

Uses "curb" instead of "check", suggesting a way to restrain or control authority.

control over influence

Focuses on managing influence rather than simply checking power.

regulation of influence

Emphasizes the formal control and management of influence.

counterbalance to authority

Illustrates the idea of opposing forces that keep power in equilibrium.

control mechanism for power

Highlights the mechanistic aspect of controlling power, specifying its function.

impediment to dominance

Suggests something that obstructs or hinders the use of dominance.

governance of authority

Shifts the focus to the administration and management of authority.

FAQs

How can I use "a check on power" in a sentence?

You can use "a check on power" to describe anything that limits authority or prevents it from becoming excessive. For instance, "The judiciary serves as "a check on power" within the government".

What are some alternatives to "a check on power"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "restraint on authority", "limit on dominance", or "control over influence".

Is there a difference between "a check on power" and "a balance of power"?

"A check on power" refers to a specific mechanism that limits authority, while "a balance of power" refers to a distribution of power among different entities to prevent any single one from becoming too dominant. They are related but distinct concepts.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "a check on power"?

This phrase is suitable in discussions about politics, governance, organizational management, and any scenario where the limitation of authority is a central theme. It’s used to describe legal, ethical, or structural constraints designed to prevent abuse or overreach.