assuming power

USAGE SUMMARY

"assuming power" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to someone taking control or authority. For example: "The new Prime Minister assumed power after the election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hitler fatally wounded its spirit after assuming power, in 1933.

The New Yorker

Upon assuming power, the Socialist Party immediately withdrew Spanish troops from Iraq.

The Washington Post

Since assuming power, though, he has reined in and angered many top military officials.

The New York Times

Immediately after assuming power in May 1999, President Olusegun Obasanjo visited the delta.

The New York Times

He returned to Liberia and began a guerrilla war in 1989, finally assuming power in 1997.

The New York Times

Since assuming power, Mugabe's avowed mission has been to efface Rhodes's legacy.

The New Yorker

After assuming power in 1970, Allende's administration was faced with economic paralysis, inequality and civil strife.

The New York Times

SINCE assuming power in March, China's new rulers have prided themselves on their no-frills approach.

The Economist

Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, has never given an interview or news conference since assuming power in 1989.

The Guardian

But should the court decide in Mr. Bush's favor, the campaign already has a plan for assuming power.

The New York Times

"Our economy is in intensive care," said George Papandreou, the prime minister, barely a week after assuming power in October.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assuming power" when you want to emphasize the moment someone or a group begins to exercise authority, especially after an election, appointment, or other formal transfer of control.

Common error

Avoid using "assuming power" in informal settings where influence is exerted rather than formal authority. For example, it would be odd to say "He assumed power over the office coffee machine" when "He took control of the office coffee machine" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assuming power" functions as a verbal phrase that describes the action of taking control or authority. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts, typically involving leaders or political entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "assuming power" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that describes the act of taking control or authority. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, encyclopedia, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. When writing, ensure you use "assuming power" in contexts where a formal transfer of control is implied. Consider alternatives like "taking office" or "coming into power" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Overall, the phrase is well-established and widely understood in formal English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coming to power

A more general and common way to describe the acquisition of power.

taking office

Focuses specifically on the commencement of an official role.

coming into power

Emphasizes the process and transition of gaining control.

gaining authority

Highlights the gradual acquisition of power or influence.

seizing control

Highlights a more forceful or abrupt acquisition of authority.

taking command

Implies gaining authority in a leadership or military context.

establishing dominance

Focuses on creating a position of superiority and control.

acceding to the throne

Specifically refers to inheriting monarchical power.

inaugurating presidency

Specifically applies to the commencement of a presidential term.

vesting power in

Describes the act of formally granting power or authority.

FAQs

How is "assuming power" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "assuming power" is generally used to describe someone or a group formally taking control or authority, such as after an election or appointment. For example, "The new president began "assuming power" immediately after the inauguration".

What are some alternatives to saying "assuming power"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "taking office", "coming into power", or "seizing control".

Is there a difference between "assuming power" and "seizing power"?

"Assuming power" generally implies a legitimate or formal transfer of authority, while "seizing power" suggests a more forceful, often illegitimate, taking of control.

When is it appropriate to use "assuming power" versus "taking office"?

"Assuming power" can refer to any kind of authority, while "taking office" specifically refers to beginning an official role or position, particularly in government or a formal organization.