ask for powers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for powers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting authority, abilities, or permissions in a specific context, such as in a formal or organizational setting. Example: "In order to proceed with the project, we need to ask for powers from the management team to allocate additional resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He told The World This Weekend on BBC Radio 4: "This is the facile tractic the europhiles always use and then they start talking about three million jobs as though the sky is going to fall in of we ask for powers back".

The Guardian

He said he would ask for powers to be devolved from Westminster to ensure it happens.

BBC

The outgoing system, whereby the assembly could ask for powers to be transferred from Westminster on a case-by-case basis, had "led to many delays", Mr Jones said.

BBC

The European Union's executive may ask for powers to censor credit ratings for countries in crisis, its financial reform chief said on Thursday, describing a ban as one way of stopping fallout from "ill-thought-out" ratings.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The Treasury secretary didn't so much go to Congress and ask for power and then exercise it broadly and flagrantly.

The Economist

So, if scholars only ask for power over, they will always find winners and losers.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

The secretary of transportation and his subordinate, the head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, asked for powers to compel tire and auto companies to turn over data on quality.

The New York Times

See articleMr Geithner then testified to Congress along with Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve, and asked for powers to seize failing financial companies, similar to those that exist for taking control of banks.

The Economist

The Iraqi prime minister is believed to be asking for powers to impose curfews, restrict public movements and censor the media.

BBC

FDR, it should be remembered, asked for powers to fight the Depression as if it were a war emergency.

Huffington Post

To keep the system as close to 60 cycles as possible, the regional grid operator, the PJM Interconnection, sends a signal every four seconds, asking for power to be added or withdrawn.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ask for powers", ensure the context clearly defines the specific powers being requested and from whom they are being sought. This avoids ambiguity and clarifies the intent of the request.

Common error

Avoid using "ask for powers" without specifying the nature or scope of the powers needed. Vague requests can lead to misinterpretations and delays in receiving the required authorization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for powers" functions as a verb phrase indicating a request or appeal for specific authority or permissions. Ludwig confirms that this usage is grammatically correct. The examples illustrate various contexts in which such requests are made, from political negotiations to organizational management.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ask for powers" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, primarily functioning as a verb phrase to denote the act of requesting authority or specific permissions. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and wiki sources. When employing "ask for powers", ensure clarity regarding the specific powers being requested and the intended recipient to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "request authority" or "seek authorization".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request authority

Focuses on the formal act of seeking authorization.

seek authorization

Highlights the process of attempting to gain official approval.

appeal for authority

Implies a more urgent or persuasive request for powers.

petition for powers

Suggests a formal written request or application.

apply for jurisdiction

Emphasizes seeking legal or regulatory control.

solicit authority

Implies actively seeking or canvassing for permission.

seek mandate

Focuses on obtaining a formal instruction or command.

pursue authority

Suggests a determined effort to acquire powers.

lobby for powers

Highlights the act of trying to influence decision-makers.

desire authority

Emphasizes a wish or yearning for control or permission.

FAQs

How can I use "ask for powers" in a sentence?

You can use "ask for powers" to describe a request for authority or permissions. For example, "The organization decided to "ask for powers" from the board to manage the new project effectively."

What's a more formal way to say "ask for powers"?

More formal alternatives to "ask for powers" include "request authority", "seek authorization", or "petition for powers", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "ask for power" or "ask for powers"?

Both "ask for power" and "ask for powers" are grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the context. "Ask for power" usually refers to general authority or influence, while ""ask for powers"" implies a request for specific abilities or permissions.

In what situations might someone "ask for powers"?

Someone might "ask for powers" in situations where they need additional authority to perform a task, manage a project, or enforce regulations. This is common in organizational, legal, and governmental contexts.