assert power over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assert power over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one entity is claiming or exercising control or authority over another. Example: "The government sought to assert power over the newly formed territories to maintain order and stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Comments about physical appearance are an attempt to assert power over somebody.

The Guardian

It's about people seeking to assert power over other people, and this is one way they do it".

The Guardian

We found that such homophobic language is used to assert power over other students.

Huffington Post

The impulse to assert power over others is something we spend our whole lives trying to tame.

Huffington Post

But the real threat comes from countries that already can and do assert power over the ISPs and websites within their borders, Balkanizing or censoring the Internet to support their regimes.

Los Angeles Times

That is why the Constitution requires officials in the legislative and executive branches of government to make their way through so many locked doors before they may assert power over their fellow Americans.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Their organizational ambitions, though, are limited: they are less concerned with running illicit businesses, like drug smuggling, than they are with asserting power over their local turf.

The New Yorker

"In that history, there have been whole periods erased by various regimes," as they asserted power over the island, including the Qing dynasty from China, the Japanese colonialists and, finally, the Nationalists.

The New York Times

They stated, "In asserting power over the way in which deep and troubling human questions should be addressed, the New York Legislature seems likely only to generate cynicism at the times when critically ill patients and their families are most in need of honesty, kindness and engagement".

The New York Times - Health

There are parallels to some Zhuangist themes in Nietzsche: the skepticism about the adequacy of our conceptualizations of the world and of value; the warnings against conventional moralities as constricting, and the awareness of how the application of ethical judgment to others can be a means of asserting power over them (The Genealogy of Morals).

SEP

Cortines also faced constant political pressure from a mayor bent on asserting power over the district, and a variety of other outside forces.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assert power over" when describing a deliberate act of claiming or exercising control. Ensure the context clearly indicates who is asserting power and over whom or what.

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice when it's important to highlight who is asserting power. For example, instead of "Power was asserted over the region", write "The government asserted power over the region" to clarify agency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assert power over" functions as a verb phrase where "assert" is the verb and "power" is the noun being acted upon, with "over" indicating the target of that action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "assert power over" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe the act of claiming or exercising control. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. It frequently appears in News & Media and Scientific sources, highlighting its relevance in discussions about politics, social dynamics, and personal relationships. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines who is asserting power and over whom, avoiding the passive voice for clarity. Alternatives like "exercise authority over" or "exert influence on" can be used to subtly shift the nuance of the statement. Overall, "assert power over" is a versatile phrase for describing the dynamics of control and influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise authority over

Focuses on the legitimate or recognized right to control.

exert influence on

Highlights the act of affecting someone or something.

wield control of

Emphasizes the ability to handle and direct.

establish dominance over

Implies creating a position of superiority.

take command of

Focuses on assuming a position of leadership.

dominate

Short, one-word option suggesting complete control.

impose one's will on

Emphasizes enforcing one's desires or decisions.

seize control of

Indicates a sudden or forceful taking of power.

govern

Suggests ruling or managing something.

dictate to

Implies authoritative instructions and decisions.

FAQs

What does "assert power over" mean?

The phrase "assert power over" means to confidently claim and exercise control or authority over someone or something. It suggests a deliberate act of establishing dominance.

How can I use "assert power over" in a sentence?

You can use "assert power over" in sentences like: "The dictator used propaganda to assert power over the population", or "The company asserted power over its competitors through aggressive marketing tactics".

What are some alternatives to "assert power over"?

Alternatives to "assert power over" include "exercise authority over", "exert influence on", or "wield control of" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "assert power over" and "exercise power over"?

"Assert power over" suggests a more forceful or deliberate act of claiming control, whereas "exercise power over" implies simply using the power that one already possesses.