attain power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attain power" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something or someone achieving a certain level of power or authority. For example: After years of hard work, she was able to attain power within her company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

I asked Teitelboim why the Chilean Communists have been able to attain power peacefully while the much more powerful Italian Communists have been blocked.

The New York Times

If a woman somehow does attain power, they assume she will use it to destroy men.

The New Yorker

Analysts are skeptical, saying his about-face was calculated to win votes and attain power.

The New York Times

"The problem", opined Mr Moroz, "is that certain individuals want to attain power at any price".

The Economist

Filtered leaders rise through the ranks and get thoroughly evaluated before they attain power.

The New York Times

Under democracy, he argues, demagogues attain power by bribing the electorate and waste accumulated wealth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

He did not, however, attain any significant political power.

Britannica

Since attaining power, he has governed in a reasonably market-friendly manner.

The Economist

For those thus rendered visible against their will, the dream of invisibility is not about attaining power but escaping it.

The New Yorker

Although we might wish that the rules for attaining power were different, or different for women, they aren't.

Harvard Business Review

However, the work I've done suggests that attaining power within an organisation can change the way we see ourselves.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attain power" to emphasize a deliberate or strategic effort to gain authority or control. It's suitable when describing a process or journey towards a position of influence.

Common error

Avoid using "attain power" in very casual conversations; simpler phrases like "get power" or "gain influence" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "attain power" is as a verb phrase functioning as the predicate of a clause. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and used to describe the act of gaining authority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "attain power" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the process of gaining authority or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for use in various contexts. While it's generally appropriate for neutral to formal settings like news articles and encyclopedias, simpler alternatives may be preferable in casual conversations. Understanding its nuances and choosing the right context will ensure effective communication. It is very important to remember, as highlighted by example sources, that there are many ways to "attain power" and several alternatives phrases that you can use to enrich your writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come to power

A more common and direct alternative to "attain power".

acquire authority

Emphasizes the gaining of legitimate authority.

gain influence

Focuses on the acquisition of influence rather than direct authority.

earn authority

Suggests that the authority was gained through merit or effort.

secure control

Focuses on ensuring control over something or someone.

establish authority

Highlights the creation and confirmation of one's authority.

achieve dominance

Highlights the accomplishment of a dominant position.

build influence

Refers to the gradual development of one's influence.

rise to prominence

Indicates an ascent to a noticeable or important position.

seize power

Implies a more forceful or sudden acquisition of power.

FAQs

How can I use "attain power" in a sentence?

You can use "attain power" to describe the process of gaining influence or authority, as in, "She worked hard to "attain power" within the organization".

What are some alternatives to "attain power"?

Alternatives include "gain influence", "acquire authority", or "come to power", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "attain power" or "get power"?

"Attain power" is generally more formal and suggests a deliberate effort, while "get power" is more casual and general. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What is the difference between "attain power" and "seize power"?

"Attain power" implies a gradual or legitimate acquisition, while "seize power" suggests a sudden, often forceful, takeover.