a question of power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question of power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions or analyses that involve issues of authority, control, or influence in various contexts, such as politics, social dynamics, or personal relationships. Example: "The debate surrounding the new policy is not just about economics; it's fundamentally a question of power between the governing bodies and the citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It's a question of power.

The Guardian - Film

"It's a question of power and influence".

The New York Times

Also, there is a question of power.

The New York Times - Arts

In the first instance, it is a question of power.

The Guardian

"It's also a question of power," Mr. Kagan said.

The New York Times

"There's some of that also in 'Cosmopolis,' where the terminology is a question of power".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Her work shaped a strong scholarly and activist agenda to explore how white racial power continues to operate: she insisted on thinking about race as a question of how power is exercised when those who have it can see only others as different.

The Guardian

It is not a question of wresting power from the military and the ISI, but of creating a partnership in which the military concedes negotiating power to a civilian prime minister.

The New York Times

Often, these kinds of volleys succeed or fail on a question of sheer power.

Independent

In Washington, it's ultimately a question of all power to the politicians.

The New York Times

It is a question of the power of the state as a whole.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a question of power", ensure the context clearly defines what kind of power is being discussed (e.g., political, social, economic).

Common error

Avoid using "a question of power" without specifying the domain or type of power involved. Vague usage can dilute the meaning and impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of power" functions as a nominal phrase, often introducing a topic or issue related to authority, control, or influence. It presents something as being fundamentally about power dynamics, similar to the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a question of power" is a versatile expression used to frame situations and decisions as fundamentally about authority, control, or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. While frequently found in news and media, it also appears in academic discussions, encyclopedias, and scientific research. To use it effectively, be sure to specify the type of power at play to avoid vagueness. Alternative phrases like "an issue of authority" or "a matter of control" can offer slight shifts in emphasis, but "a question of power" directly addresses the core dynamics at play.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an issue of authority

Replaces "question" with "issue", focusing on authority.

a matter of control

Substitutes "power" with "control", emphasizing influence.

the dynamic of power

Shifts from a question to a statement of dynamic.

a power struggle

Focuses on the conflict aspect of power.

an imbalance of power

Highlights the unequal distribution of power.

the locus of control

Emphasizes where control resides.

the distribution of power

Highlights how power is allocated.

relations of power

Focuses on the relational aspect of power.

who holds the power

Directly asks about the possessor of power.

the problem of authority

Presents authority as a problem.

FAQs

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

Use "a question of power" to highlight issues of control, authority, or influence. For example, "The election outcome is "a question of power" between different political factions".

What phrases are similar to "a question of power"?

Similar phrases include "an issue of authority", "a matter of control", or "the dynamic of power", each emphasizing different aspects of power dynamics.

Is it correct to say "a question about power" instead of "a question of power"?

While "a question about power" is grammatically correct, "a question of power" is more idiomatic and suggests that power itself is the central issue, rather than just a topic being questioned.

What is the nuance between "a question of power" and "a power struggle"?

"A question of power" generally refers to an inquiry or issue related to authority or influence. "A power struggle", on the other hand, describes an active conflict or competition for power.