a foreign power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a foreign power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing international relations, politics, or security matters involving countries or governments. Example: "The government is concerned about the influence of a foreign power on domestic affairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is he working for a foreign power?

The New Yorker

"They don't cite a foreign power.

The New York Times

It was a provocation by a foreign power.

The New York Times

The intervention of a foreign power in a US election?

University of California, Berkeley

A foreign power has intervened on your behalf.

The New York Times

An administration hypes the threat posed by a foreign power.

The New York Times

This was no rebellion against a foreign power.

The Guardian - Opinion

On a foreign power infecting Chávez with cancer.

The Guardian

Has a foreign power gained improper ascendance in our country?

The Washington Post

Did the Trump campaign actively coordinate with a foreign power?

The New York Times

Under Fisa you had to have probable cause to believe that the target was a foreign power or agent of a foreign power.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a foreign power", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific nation or entity being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the country or organization if relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "a foreign power" as a vague term for any external influence. Instead, strive for specificity by naming the country or organization whenever possible to provide a more accurate and informative context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a foreign power" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig provides numerous examples in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a foreign power" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, particularly within news, academic, and encyclopedic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in discussions concerning international relations and geopolitical influence. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards formality due to its prevalence in authoritative sources. To enhance clarity, consider specifying the exact nation or entity referenced whenever possible. As Ludwig's examples show, "a foreign power" refers to a national entity other than the one being discussed, often in contexts involving political influence, and should be considered distinct from "a foreign country" in its implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a foreign government

Synonymous with 'overseas government'.

a foreign country

A more straightforward and common way to refer to a nation other than one's own.

an external nation

Replaces 'power' with a more general term, focusing on the national entity.

an overseas government

Specifies the governmental aspect of the foreign entity.

a foreign entity

Replaces 'power' with a more generic term, suitable when the exact nature of influence is unclear.

an alien regime

Emphasizes the foreign and potentially unwelcome nature of the ruling entity.

a non-domestic state

Highlights the non-domestic origin of the state.

an international actor

Broader term that encompasses any entity acting on the international stage.

a foreign influence

Shifts the focus from the power itself to the impact it exerts.

an outside force

Generalizes the concept, implying any external pressure or influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a foreign power" to describe a nation exerting influence or control in international affairs. For example, "The treaty aimed to limit the influence of a foreign power in the region".

What is a synonym for "a foreign power"?

Alternatives include "an external nation", "an overseas government", or "a non-domestic state", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a foreign power" and "a foreign country"?

"A foreign country" is a general term for any nation that is not one's own, while "a foreign power" implies a nation with significant influence or control, often in a political or military sense. The two terms are not interchangeable in all contexts.

Is it correct to use "a foreign power" in formal writing?

Yes, "a foreign power" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in discussions of international relations, politics, or history. However, ensure that the context is clear and the term is used accurately. Using a more specific term might be better.