a check on powerful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a check on powerful" is not complete and lacks clarity in written English.
It could be used in contexts discussing the need for oversight or regulation of powerful entities or individuals, but it requires additional context to be fully understood. Example: "The government needs to implement a check on powerful corporations to ensure fair competition."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mr. Greenwald ended by saying that because of the importance of Wikileaks' function as a check on "powerful factions and imposing transparency," the topic "merits substantial scrutiny, along with genuine skepticism to understand what happened".

The New York Times

"And I take a lot of satisfaction, as I think all the members do, in being a check on powerful interests and powerful people who want to do things to my community".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Congress would be wise to regain its proper place as the first branch of government, at least when it comes to serving as a check on a powerful executive.

The New Yorker

The Fed should remain neutral with respect to the media of exchange people decide to use, because nothing provides as powerful a check on the government's ability to abuse money as allowing competitive private markets to provide it.

Forbes

For more than two centuries, newspapers have been the indispensable source of public information and a check on the abuses of government and other powerful interests.

The New York Times

America has a constitution which sets up its legislature including its powerful congressional committees as a check on the executive.

The Economist

Conceived as a source of revenue and a check on concentrated wealth among a handful of powerful families, the estate tax has been part of the tax code for more than 100 years.

HuffPost

Some PAD leaders are former progressives who have bought into "royal liberalism", the idea that a powerful crown can act as a check on rapacious politicians.

The Economist

The continent also has what might be a lesser-known, yet potentially powerful tool to act as a check on corruption and poor governance: the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rightss.

The New Yorker

If Democrats secure the House, they will gain control of powerful committees that could put a check on Mr. Trump's agenda.

The New York Times

"We're not surprised at all that it is a smart, effective and powerful woman that is finally putting a check on Trump.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a check on powerful", ensure the context clearly defines what entity or mechanism serves as the check. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a check on powerful" without specifying what constitutes the check. For example, instead of saying "We need a check on powerful interests", specify "Independent audits are a check on powerful financial interests."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a check on powerful" functions as a noun phrase that describes something or someone acting as a limit or control on those with significant influence. As Ludwig AI explained, this phrase can be unclear without further specification.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a check on powerful" is a phrase used to describe the limitation or control of powerful entities. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig advises that the phrase benefits from added context to specify the agent providing the "check". It is most commonly found in news and media, and related phrases include "oversight of those in power" and "restraint on powerful entities". Remember to clarify what is serving as the check to avoid vagueness. While the phrase is simple, being specific increases its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Oversight of those in power

Stresses the supervisory aspect, using 'oversight' instead of 'check'.

Limitation of powerful forces

Emphasizes the act of restricting powerful groups, substituting 'check' with 'limitation'.

Supervision of powerful bodies

Stresses the monitoring aspect, using 'supervision' instead of 'check'.

Restraint on powerful entities

Focuses on limiting the actions of powerful groups, replacing 'check' with 'restraint'.

Accountability for powerful actors

Focuses on holding powerful individuals responsible, replacing 'check' with 'accountability'.

Counterbalance to the powerful

Emphasizes the idea of creating equilibrium against those with power, shifting from 'check' to 'counterbalance'.

Scrutiny of powerful interests

Highlights the careful examination of powerful groups, swapping 'check' for 'scrutiny'.

Regulation of influential groups

Highlights the formal oversight of powerful bodies, substituting 'check' with 'regulation'.

Curb on powerful institutions

Indicates a restraint on powerful organizations, replacing 'check' with 'curb'.

Control over powerful figures

Indicates a more direct influence over powerful individuals, swapping 'check' for 'control'.

FAQs

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

Use "a check on powerful" to indicate something that limits or controls the actions of those with authority or influence. For example, "The media can act as "a check on powerful" corporations by exposing unethical practices."

What's a more formal alternative to "a check on powerful"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "oversight of influential entities" or "regulation of dominant forces". These alternatives provide a similar meaning with a more elevated vocabulary.

Is it always necessary to specify what is providing the check?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the entity providing the check enhances clarity. For instance, instead of just saying "We need "a check on powerful"", clarify "Independent auditors serve as "a check on powerful" financial institutions."

What's the difference between "a check on powerful" and "empowering the powerless"?

"A check on powerful" focuses on limiting the influence of those in power, while "empowering the powerless" aims to increase the influence and agency of those with less power. They are related but distinct concepts; one restricts, the other enables.