a position of power

USAGE SUMMARY

"a position of power" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who is in a powerful role or position in a company, organization, or government. For example: "John was offered a position of power in the city's government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You're in a position of power there.

The New York Times - Magazine

I saw August in a position of power.

The New Yorker

"They're not exactly in a position of power," he said.

The New York Times

This is a Labour figure in a position of power.

The Guardian - Opinion

This puts tennis in a position of power in fashion.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He had achieved a position of power in Bravo Company.

The New York Times

Then, as now, they had Dick Cheney in a position of power in the White House.

The New York Times

"And that means exposing all those responsible for putting Clarke in a position of power".

The Guardian

"As an actor, you're in a position of power," Mr. McDaniel said.

The New York Times - Arts

And there was complete silence from politicians, from regulators, from anyone in a position of power.

The Guardian - Tech

He is eternally overbooked and consequently in a position of power.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about workplace dynamics, be mindful of the implications of "a position of power". Use it to highlight potential ethical considerations, such as avoiding abuse of authority.

Common error

Avoid using "a position of power" interchangeably with "a position of authority" if you want to be precise. Power implies influence and control, while authority indicates a legitimate right to give orders. You might have authority without real power, and vice versa.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a position of power" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or verb. Ludwig shows it's used to describe someone's standing in an organization or society.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a position of power" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe someone who holds significant influence or control, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently in news, business, and academic contexts. Recognizing the ethical responsibilities associated with "a position of power" is crucial, and it's important not to confuse it with similar but distinct concepts like authority. Using this phrase accurately enhances clarity and impact in writing, whether you're discussing leadership or societal dynamics. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig underscore its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a powerful role

Focuses on the role itself having power, rather than the individual's status.

an influential position

Emphasizes the capacity to affect decisions or actions.

a position of influence

Focuses on the capacity to affect outcomes without direct control.

a commanding presence

Highlights the authority and control exerted by an individual.

a dominant standing

Stresses superiority and control over others.

a leadership role

Specifies a role that involves guiding and directing others.

a controlling interest

Indicates ownership or influence over an entity.

a strategic advantage

Highlights the benefit derived from holding a superior position.

a high rank

Refers to a superior level within a hierarchy.

a place of authority

Emphasizes the legitimate right to exercise power.

FAQs

How can I use "a position of power" in a sentence?

You can use "a position of power" to describe someone who holds significant influence or control. For example: "She used her "a position of power" to advocate for change".

What is an alternative to "a position of power"?

Alternatives include "influential role", "leadership position", or "commanding presence" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a position of power" in formal writing?

Yes, "a position of power" is suitable for formal writing as it is a clear and widely understood phrase. However, ensure the context matches the formality; use more nuanced alternatives if necessary.

What are the ethical considerations related to "a position of power"?

When someone holds "a position of power", they have a responsibility to act ethically and avoid abusing their influence. This includes avoiding conflicts of interest, treating subordinates fairly, and making decisions that benefit the organization as a whole.