by the powers

USAGE SUMMARY

'by the powers' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express an authoritative intention to do something. For example, "By the powers invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Will corporations also swear by the powers of healing?

MIT Technology Review

Their neighbors still fear dominance by the powers, often because of memories of the past.

Yale University

Nationalism isn't necessarily pushed on the people by the powers that be.

Stanford University

But consequences needn't be defined by the powers of law enforcement.

The New Yorker

Microsoft's founder, Bill Gates, was famously testy about being deposed by the powers that be.

The New York Times

Some said they were concerned that they would ultimately be defeated by the powers that be.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

This march was spontaneous, powered by the power of surprise.

Huffington Post

Come be inspired by the power of visual storytelling.

University of California, Berkeley

They are strongly influenced by the power of words.

University of California, Berkeley

People are intimidated by "the power of the press".

The Guardian

The Rangers have lived by the power play this season.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by the powers" to invoke a sense of legitimacy or authority when announcing a decision or action.

Common error

Avoid using "by the powers" in casual conversation; it can sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Opt for simpler, more direct language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by the powers" typically functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a statement or action carried out with authority or permission. It implies that the speaker or actor is acting under a specific authorization, as also explained by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by the powers" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to invoke authority or legitimacy. While relatively rare in occurrence, as also confirmed by Ludwig, it's primarily found in formal contexts like news, academic writing, and encyclopedic entries. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and register of your writing to avoid sounding overly dramatic or out of place. Considering its formal nature, as suggested by Ludwig, it should be reserved for situations where emphasizing authority or official endorsement is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with the authority vested in me

Emphasizes legal or official authorization.

by virtue of the power

Highlights the inherent strength or capacity to act.

under the aegis of

Suggests protection or sponsorship from an influential entity.

by the grace of

Indicates a benevolent source of power or permission.

through the might of

Stresses the immense strength or force employed.

by means of the influence

Highlights indirect power or persuasion.

with the backing of

Shows support or approval from a powerful entity.

by delegation of authority

Signifies that authority has been handed down from someone with higher authority.

in the capacity of

Denotes a specific role or function that grants power.

by the strength of

Indicates an achievement due to the force or intensity of something.

FAQs

How to use "by the powers" in a sentence?

The phrase "by the powers" is typically used to introduce a statement or action that is backed by a certain level of authority. For example, "By the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife".

What can I say instead of "by the powers"?

Alternatives to "by the powers" include phrases like "with the authority vested in me", "by virtue of the power", or "under the aegis of", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "by the powers" or "with the powers"?

"By the powers" is the correct and more common phrasing when indicating an action is authorized by a specific authority. "With the powers" is grammatically correct but less conventional.

What's the difference between "by the powers" and "with great power"?

"By the powers" refers to the source of authority enabling an action, whereas "with great power" describes the possession of significant influence or ability.