acquiring power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquiring power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing gaining influence, control, or authority, whether in a personal, political, or organizational sense. Example: "The organization focused on acquiring power to implement its new policies effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

She can tell us that the Bushes have been ruthless in acquiring power and influence.

The Economist

There has always been a tension between the different demands of acquiring power and wielding it.

The Guardian - Books

The nineties witnessed the first real spurt of women acquiring power in their own right.

The New Yorker

The pattern of wives and daughters acquiring power continued even when hereditary monarchies were replaced.

The New Yorker

At the same time, the statement of the movement's aim in acquiring power becomes vaguer and more utopian.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A large part of the strategy of the Vatican and Rupert Murdoch in acquiring power was to create an aura of invincibility, a hallowed mystique.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The first pillar - the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) - will take shape next year, with the European Central Bank acquiring powers to monitor the activities of all the major eurozone banks.

BBC

Whereas Radiyya's father facilitated her political ascension, Terken Khatun acquired power by marrying a powerful member of the Salghurid dynasty in Iran.

Huffington Post

Reliant acquired power plants in California in April 1998.

The New York Times

But he was clever and aggressive, and quickly began to acquire power.

The New Yorker

Some people have acquired power and profits in post-9/11 post-9/11 Americaing to and perpetuating fear.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "acquiring power", specify the domain or area in which the power is being acquired. For example, "acquiring power in the political arena" provides more context than simply "acquiring power".

Common error

Avoid using "acquiring power" in overly broad contexts without specifying the type or scope of power. Instead of saying "He is focused on acquiring power", specify "He is focused on "acquiring political power"" or "acquiring financial power" to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquiring power" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its common usage across various contexts. It describes the action of gaining control, influence, or authority, as seen in examples concerning political movements and personal ambitions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acquiring power" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the act of gaining influence, control, or authority. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase commonly appears in neutral contexts. Its usage is prominent in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, indicating its relevance across diverse areas. Related phrases include "gaining influence" and "securing authority", which offer nuanced perspectives on the concept. When using the phrase, it's best to specify the domain in which power is being acquired to provide clarity. Avoid overly broad contexts and be specific about the type of power being acquired. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively and accurately convey the intended meaning of "acquiring power" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaining influence

Focuses on the increase of influence rather than the act of obtaining power itself.

securing authority

Emphasizes the establishment and legitimacy of power.

attaining control

Highlights the achievement of control over something or someone.

establishing dominance

Suggests a more forceful and competitive approach to gaining power.

exercising influence

Shifts the focus to the active use of power once it has been obtained.

assuming command

Implies taking a leadership position or role of authority.

winning control

Highlights the competitive aspect of gaining control through victory or success.

developing influence

Focuses on the gradual building and expansion of influence over time.

building authority

Emphasizes the construction and strengthening of legitimate power.

obtaining leverage

Highlights acquiring a strategic advantage or means of exerting influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "acquiring power" in a sentence to describe the process of gaining influence, control, or authority, such as "The company's strategy focused on "acquiring market power"" or "She dedicated her career to "acquiring political power"".

What are some alternatives to "acquiring power"?

Alternatives to "acquiring power" include phrases like "gaining influence", "securing authority", or "attaining control", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "acquire power" or "acquiring power"?

The choice between "acquire power" and "acquiring power" depends on the grammatical structure of the sentence. "Acquire power" is often used as an infinitive or imperative, while "acquiring power" functions as a gerund or participle, such as in the sentence, "The focus was on "acquiring power"".

What is the difference between "acquiring power" and "exercising power"?

"Acquiring power" refers to the process of gaining or obtaining power, while "exercising power" refers to the act of using the power that has already been acquired. One precedes the other; you must first focus on "acquiring power" before you can begin "exercising power".