accumulating power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accumulating power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the gathering or increasing of influence, authority, or control over time. Example: "The political party has been accumulating power steadily over the past decade, leading to significant changes in governance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The waning days of Benedict's troubled papacy were marked by complaints from ordinary Catholics as well as from powerful cardinals that the Curia had become too concerned with accumulating power and unresponsive to the needs of its followers.

The New York Times

The professions, including those in science, were accumulating power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"My belief is that effective leadership does not mean accumulating power.

The Guardian

The accumulating power of ritual and the evocation of a world both heroic and damaged are hair-raising.

The Guardian

Russia's willingness to fan those resentments is another sign that it is more interested in accumulating power than exercising leadership.

The New York Times

MATTATHIAS SCHWARTZ: The OWS movement has a real taboo on individuals accumulating power or authority over others.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

When one becomes sufficiently powerful, continued success relies more on the skillful allocation of accumulated power than on persuasion.

Forbes

Even after 10 years, Merkel still seems to accumulate power, not lose it.

The Guardian

As Carrasco accumulated power, she made what Rivera calls "intimate enemies" inside her own party.

The Guardian

Of course, not all countries that rise up and accumulate power attack their neighbors, right?

Cornell University

In doing so, it stealthily but inexorably accumulates power, privilege and prerogatives.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the process of gaining power, consider using specific verbs such as "consolidating", "expanding", or "asserting" to provide a more precise description.

Common error

Be precise when using the phrase "accumulating power". Instead of simply stating that someone is "accumulating power", specify what kind of power (political, economic, social) and the means by which they are doing so.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accumulating power" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes an ongoing process of gaining influence or authority. As Ludwig shows, it often appears in contexts discussing politics or organizational dynamics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "accumulating power" is a grammatically sound and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the process of gaining influence or control. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and versatile. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as in encyclopedias and scientific literature. While alternatives such as "gaining influence" or "consolidating power" exist, "accumulating power" provides a general and widely understood way to discuss the increase of authority or control over time. When using the phrase, specificity enhances clarity by indicating the type of power being accumulated and the means of accumulation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consolidating power

Suggests reinforcing already existing power.

increasing control

Highlights the aspect of gaining more control over situations or people.

gaining influence

Focuses more on the aspect of influence rather than overall power.

expanding influence

Focuses on broadening the scope of influence.

asserting control

Emphasizes the act of actively taking control.

building authority

Emphasizes the establishment of legitimate authority.

acquiring dominance

Indicates achieving a state of being dominant.

seizing power

Suggests a sudden or forceful acquisition of power.

gathering strength

Implies an increase in overall strength and resources, not just political or social power.

developing leverage

Focuses on gaining an advantage or strategic position.

FAQs

What does "accumulating power" mean?

The phrase "accumulating power" refers to the gradual process of gaining more influence, authority, or control over resources, people, or situations.

What can I say instead of "accumulating power"?

You can use alternatives like "gaining influence", "consolidating power", or "increasing control" depending on the context.

Is "accumulating power" a positive or negative thing?

Whether "accumulating power" is positive or negative depends on the context and the intentions of the person or entity doing it. It can be positive if used for good, but negative if used for selfish or harmful purposes.

How can "accumulating power" affect a political system?

"Accumulating power" can lead to either stability or instability in a political system, depending on whether it is done democratically and transparently, or through authoritarian means. It can be checked by "checks and balances".