achieve power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "achieve power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing gaining influence, control, or authority in various situations, such as politics, business, or personal development. Example: "Many leaders strive to achieve power in order to implement their vision for change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With his trademark twinkle, he might paraphrase Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night": some are born powerful, some achieve power and some have power thrust upon them.

The Economist

They achieve power via, not through, nakedness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Therefore, you need to achieve power.

The Guardian

And third parties never actually achieve power.

The New Yorker

But you can't put your values on ice just to achieve power.

The Guardian

Its purpose is to win votes, achieve power and make change.

The Guardian

He made what the film had earlier called his "devil's bargain to achieve power".

The New York Times

In the contest, the Islamist opposition Islamic Salvation Front was anticipated to achieve power.

The Washington Post

Everyone, men and women, must make certain sacrifices to achieve power and career success.

Harvard Business Review

Lisa Nandy said there was no point having a great idea unless a person can achieve power.

The Guardian

No matter what fine ideas candidates may espouse, for Blair the key matter is whether they can achieve power.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about political or social movements, use "achieve power" to convey a deliberate and strategic effort to gain control or influence, distinguishing it from simply 'having' power.

Common error

Avoid using "have power" when you mean "achieve power". "Have power" describes a state of possession, while "achieve power" describes the process of gaining it. For instance, say someone "achieved power through hard work", not that they "had power through hard work".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "achieve power" functions as a verb phrase acting as a transitive construction, where 'achieve' (verb) takes 'power' (noun) as its direct object. The phrase describes the act of successfully gaining control, authority or influence. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "achieve power" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the process of gaining control, influence, or authority. According to Ludwig, this phrase is appropriate for use in news, scientific, and formal contexts. When writing, ensure you're describing the process of gaining power, rather than merely possessing it. Some alternatives to "achieve power" are "gain power", "attain power", and "secure power". Remember to use these alternatives to enrich your writing and avoid sounding repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain power

Focuses on the process of obtaining power, similar to "achieve power".

attain power

Highlights the successful reaching of a position of power.

secure power

Implies establishing power firmly and safely.

obtain authority

Emphasizes the legitimacy of the power acquired.

acquire influence

Focuses on gaining the ability to affect decisions or actions.

come to power

Specifically refers to the process of assuming a position of governmental control.

rise to prominence

Indicates gaining a high level of recognition and importance.

win control

Stresses the competitive aspect of gaining power or authority.

seize control

Suggests a forceful or sudden acquisition of power.

exercise authority

Shifts the focus to using power that has already been obtained.

FAQs

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

Use "achieve power" to describe the process of gaining control or influence. For example, "The party aimed to "achieve power" through democratic elections".

What's the difference between "achieve power" and "gain power"?

"Achieve power" and "gain power" are very similar. "Achieve" often implies a more deliberate or strategic effort, while "gain" can be more general.

Is it correct to say "achieve to have power"?

No, "achieve to have power" is grammatically awkward. Instead, use "achieve power" or "achieve the ability to "exercise authority"".

What are some synonyms for "achieve power" in a formal context?

In a formal context, you could use synonyms like "attain authority", "secure influence", or "obtain control".