accede to power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accede to power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone assuming a position of authority or leadership, often in a political context. Example: "After years of campaigning, she finally managed to accede to power and implement her vision for the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Instead of an inclusive government and a consensus constitution, he re-stacked the deck in a way that ensured that only the Muslim Brotherhood could ever accede to power.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Upon acceding to power, Antoninus persuaded a reluctant Senate to offer the customary divine honours to Hadrian.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Officially acceding to power in southern Ceylon in 1232, the kings of the Dambadeṇiya line had defeated Māgha by 1255, with the help of a South Indian ally.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The king was killed in his palace by an exiled robber and was succeeded by his brother, Eadred (reigned 946 955); Edmund's sons eventually acceded to power as kings Eadwig (reigned 957 959) and Edgar (reigned 959 975).

Encyclopedia Britannica

A generation later, as Putin marks the 15th anniversary of acceding to power on 7 May 2000, Russia has changed beyond all recognition from the chaotic, open free-for-all it was under Yeltsin.

The Guardian

Noting that Kim had acceded to power at a young age and asserted his control over his generals and other family members, Trump said, "So, obviously, he's a pretty smart cookie.

The New Yorker

Since acceding to power, Mr Xi has produced one good speech, levered a liberal, Li Yuanchao (who had been passed over by Jiang Zemin for a place of the seven man standing committee), into the position of vice-president and launched a noisy campaign against corruption.

The Guardian - Opinion

Assad the father acceded to power after a coup in 1971.

Huffington Post

Whether Neferhotep I usurped the throne at the expense of Sobekhotep III or inherited it, he possibly acceded to power over a fragmented Egypt.

Wikipedia

Mr. Obama is, after all, about to accede to an office in which one of the bedrock and least fettered powers is that of granting pardons and reprieves.

The New York Times

For Bolt, Thomas More, refusing to accede to the king's break with the Catholic church, was the conscience-struck hero and Thomas Cromwell a power-hungry skulker.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "accede to power" when you want to emphasize the formal or official nature of someone's assumption of authority, particularly in political or historical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "accede to power" in informal contexts where a more direct term like "take over" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a level of formality that might sound out of place in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accede to power" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of formally assuming a position of authority. As noted by Ludwig AI, this often occurs in political or historical contexts, signifying a transition in leadership.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "accede to power" describes the act of formally assuming a position of authority, particularly in political or historical contexts. While grammatically correct and used in reputable sources, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, it carries a level of formality that makes it less suitable for everyday conversation. Alternatives like "assume power" or "take office" might be more appropriate in less formal settings. Predominantly found in news media and encyclopedias, the phrase serves to inform about leadership transitions, often with a focus on the legitimacy or process of gaining control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assume power

This alternative is more direct and common, suggesting a straightforward taking of power.

take office

This alternative refers specifically to assuming a political position or role.

come to power

This alternative indicates the process of gaining power, often after a period of struggle or effort.

rise to power

This alternative implies a gradual ascent to a position of influence and authority.

gain control

This alternative emphasizes the attainment of control, which may or may not be formal power.

inherit power

This alternative suggests that power was passed down through family or lineage.

seize power

This alternative indicates a sudden and forceful acquisition of power, often through illegitimate means.

attain leadership

This alternative suggests achieving a position of leadership, implying influence and authority.

ascend to the throne

This alternative specifically refers to becoming a monarch or ruler.

win leadership

This alternative implies power was achieved through victory or competition.

FAQs

What does "accede to power" mean?

"Accede to power" means to assume a position of authority or control, often in a formal or official capacity, such as in government or leadership.

When is it appropriate to use "accede to power"?

It's best to use "accede to power" in formal contexts, such as when discussing politics, history, or organizational leadership. Consider alternatives like "come to power" or "take office" for more general situations.

Are there synonyms for "accede to power"?

Yes, you can use phrases such as "assume power", "rise to power", or "gain control" as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "accede to power" differ from "seize power"?

"Accede to power" typically implies a legitimate or formal transfer of authority, while "seize power" suggests a forceful or illegitimate takeover. The former is often associated with established processes, while the latter implies a disruption of those processes.