acts of power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acts of power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or behaviors that demonstrate authority, control, or influence over others or situations. Example: "The leader's acts of power were evident in the way he made decisions without consulting his team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Sexual assaults and rapes are acts of power and control.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I want, rather, to pose a question that is not articulated often enough: Do such acts of power work?

The New Yorker

The Paterson, New Jersey native was one of the most anticipated acts of Power 105.1's Powerhouse 2015.

Independent

That would require closure, and Said, following French critical theory, believed that scholarly enterprises (like the Orientalist studies of the Middle East he examined in his 1978 book, "Orientalism") were acts of power that exerted imperial control, colonizing their subjects.

The New York Times - Books

Accommodation practices are material realizations of asylum laws, and refugee accommodation illustrates the physical space of administrative and political acts of power.

Comparative Migration Studies

Another aspect of Mouffe's fierce critique of the deliberative rationality is the fact that she recognizes acts of power in every speech act.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It's an act of power by the actors over the audience".

The New York Times

Cameron did, more lavishly, I think, than any other senior Tory, on the grounds that it was an act of "power to the people" journalism.

The Guardian

Party interests, of course, were deeply involved in the constitutional dispute; the Prince's first act of power would have been to dismiss Pitt and bring in the Whigs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It comes hard to me to admit that a vote is not in itself an act of power, and I was at first blind to the point Saramago's non-voting voters are making.

The Guardian - Books

She's a plotting muse, a living symbol of the many youths who are coming up behind Solness, all those talented people he fears but is drawn to — the way he's drawn to death, the ultimate act of power, even as he tries to turn it into something else.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics such as abuse or political manipulation, use "acts of power" to emphasize the systemic or structural nature of the actions, rather than focusing solely on individual perpetrators.

Common error

Avoid using "acts of power" when you actually mean legitimate authority. Power can be exerted through force or manipulation, whereas authority implies a recognized and accepted right to influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acts of power" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it refers to actions that exert control, authority, or influence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

8%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acts of power" is a versatile noun phrase that is grammatically sound and commonly used across various domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes actions demonstrating authority or control, often in critical or analytical contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it tends to appear more frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources. When using the phrase, it's important to differentiate between power and legitimate authority to avoid miscommunication. Alternatives such as "displays of authority" or "exercises of control" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

displays of authority

Emphasizes the visual or observable aspect of power being exercised.

exercises of control

Highlights the active and deliberate exertion of control over situations or people.

demonstrations of control

Focuses on the explicit showing of power.

assertions of dominance

Focuses on establishing or reinforcing a position of superiority.

expressions of dominance

Implies a communication of dominance whether verbal or non-verbal.

shows of force

Implies a demonstration of strength or capability to influence or intimidate.

manifestations of authority

Suggests a more abstract or symbolic representation of power.

applications of influence

Focuses on the active use of influence to achieve a particular outcome.

instances of influence

Highlights the effects or impact of power in specific situations.

exhibitions of strength

Highlights the display of power or capability.

FAQs

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

You can use "acts of power" to describe behaviors that demonstrate control or influence. For example: "Sexual assaults are "acts of power" and control."

What are some alternatives to "acts of power"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "displays of authority", "exercises of control", or "assertions of dominance".

Is "acts of power" formal or informal?

The phrase "acts of power" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's often found in more analytical or critical discussions in news or academic settings.

What's the difference between "acts of power" and "abuse of power"?

"Acts of power" is a broader term referring to any demonstration of control. "Abuse of power", on the other hand, specifically refers to the misuse of authority for personal gain or malicious purposes.