assert agency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'assert agency' is not correct in written English.
It is not a common phrase and it is not included in most dictionaries. If you want to express the idea of asserting one's own authority or exercising agency over certain matters, you could say something like, "She took charge of the situation and asserted her authority."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That individuals can assert agency even in these unpredictable environments; that there can be both chaos and control.

The Guardian - Music

Seeking healthcare was another coping strategy used as an active means to assert agency and as a temporary distraction from pain.

BMJ Open

An active use of healthcare services appeared as a way of attempting to manage the situation, thus trying to assert agency in coping with the pain.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And she comes to embrace defiance as a way to assert her agency.

The New York Times - Books

The effect is to assert the agency of the artist and suggest that it is the mandate of feminists to break the rules of patriarchy — or any authoritarian system (even a description provided by another artist).

The New York Times - Arts

And both politics and writing, in different ways, exist in part to assert human agency in the face of trends that seem inexorable and impersonal — to hold up ideals even when fewer people are living up to them, to try to shape and redirect trends rather than taking them as a given, to mitigate the excesses of revolutions and try to preserve the best of the old even when the new comes rushing in.

The New York Times

SEC Chairman Harvey Pitt Harvey Pitt is scrambling to assert his agency's "leadership" while conceding that every state has its own rules and can do its own thing.

Forbes

In their ruling, the five-member board decided unanimously that it should not assert the agency's jurisdiction in the case, essentially dodging the complex question at its core -- whether schools exert enough control over scholarship athletes for them to be considered employees.

Huffington Post

The Federal Reserve chairman, Ben S. Bernanke, leading an agency threatened by the overhaul, has sought to push back by asserting the agency's authority over subprime lending and executive pay in recent days.

The New York Times

Agency theory views modern corporations as contractual relationships between shareholder and management and asserts that agency problem arises when the desires or goals of shareholder and management conflict due to the separation of ownership and control (Jensen and Meckling 1976).

Frontiers of Business Research in China

He has pushed more aggressively to impose new rules on energy and commodity markets while asserting his agency's role as the main regulator of the futures market.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs like "exercise" or "exert" with "agency" for improved clarity and impact. For example, "exercise agency" sounds more natural.

Common error

Avoid using "assert agency" in formal writing; it can sound stilted. Opt for clearer, more common expressions of agency and control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assert agency" functions as a verb phrase where "assert" acts as a transitive verb, taking "agency" as its direct object. However, according to Ludwig AI, this is not a standard phrase and is better replaced with alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "assert agency" is understandable, it's not a standard English expression. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is not correct in written English and not included in most dictionaries. Its function is to convey taking control or exercising power, but clearer alternatives like "exercise influence" or "exert control" are preferable. Usage leans towards a neutral register, primarily appearing in News & Media and Science contexts. Given its infrequent and somewhat awkward nature, writers should consider more conventional ways to express the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise influence

Replaces "assert" with a more common verb, focusing on the act of wielding influence.

exert control

Similar to "exercise influence", this emphasizes the act of controlling a situation or entity.

take control

This suggests assuming command or leadership.

take charge

Suggests assuming responsibility and directing actions.

claim authority

Focuses on declaring or establishing one's right to control.

demonstrate leadership

Highlights the act of leading and guiding others.

affirm autonomy

Focuses on reinforcing one's independence and self-governance.

establish dominance

This suggests creating a position of power or control.

show initiative

Emphasizes proactive action and self-direction.

impose will

Emphasizes forcing one's desires or decisions onto others.

FAQs

What does it mean to "assert agency"?

While not a standard phrase, it implies taking control or exercising one's power to act independently. Consider using alternatives like "exercise influence" or "exert control".

Is "assert agency" grammatically correct?

Although understandable, "assert agency" is not considered standard English. Other formulations may communicate the intended meaning more effectively.

Are there better ways to express the idea of taking control?

Yes, using alternatives like "take control", "demonstrate leadership", or "claim authority" can provide clearer and more impactful ways to express that concept.

When is it appropriate to use "assert agency"?

Due to its awkwardness, it's best to avoid using "assert agency" in formal or professional contexts. In informal settings, it might be acceptable, but clearer alternatives are generally preferred.