clerical power

USAGE SUMMARY

"clerical power" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the power of religious leaders or organizations. For example, "The local bishop held a great deal of clerical power in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

That in turn made it easier for clerical power to trump the worldly kind.

The Economist

However, even if the election results in fewer mullahs sitting in parliament, clerical power in Iran remains the reality.

The Economist

But the papal success at Canossa paved the way for an even more spectacular assertion of clerical power.

The Economist

Until now, the contest for this seat of clerical power was an unremarkable event, but not this time.

The Guardian

The virulently anti-American bulwark of clerical power, Iran's Revolutionary Guard corps, crosses the long Iraqi-Iranian border at will.

The New York Times

Alternatively, "pure" clerical power can use its prerogatives (over sacraments like baptism or marriage or absolution) to exercise authority over everybody else, including worldly rulers.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

However, they later find her resting at the foot of a statue of Mishakal (the Goddess of Healing), which now bears the Blue Crystal Staff, and Goldmoon is blessed with true clerical powers.

Wikipedia

Relations soured after the 1979 Islamic Revolution brought a radical clerical government to power in Iran.

The New York Times

In doing so, he was seeking to protect not only the one priest but also the clerical structure of power to which, even dead, that priest still belonged.

The New Yorker

The foreign ministers' meeting on the sidelines of the General Assembly will be the highest-level, face-to-face contact between U.S. and Iranian officials since the 1979 Islamic Revolution brought the clerical regime to power.

Los Angeles Times

Skirmishes with Edward over clerical privileges, royal power, Peckham's use of excommunication, and ecclesiastical taxation continued, but in October 1286, Edward issued a writ entitled Circumspecte Agatis which specified what types of cases the ecclesiastical courts could hear.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing historical or political contexts, use "clerical power" to accurately describe the influence of religious institutions or leaders.

Common error

Ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to legitimate religious authority or potentially problematic control, as "clerical power" can sometimes carry negative connotations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clerical power" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the authority, influence, or control wielded by religious clergy or institutions. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in discussing historical events, political dynamics, and social structures where religious authority is a significant factor.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clerical power" is a noun phrase commonly used to describe the influence and authority held by religious leaders and institutions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently found in news and media contexts. While its tone is typically neutral, it's important to be mindful of potential negative connotations associated with undue religious control. Related phrases such as "religious authority" or "church authority" can be used as alternatives depending on the desired nuance. When using the expression, ensure you address ambiguity and provide sufficient context to accurately describe the intended level of influence. Remember this analysis for better understanding and use of "clerical power".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ecclesiastical authority

Replaces "power" with a synonym related to governance within a church.

religious authority

Broadens the scope from specifically clerical to generally religious.

church authority

Focuses on the institution rather than the individuals.

papal authority

Specifies the authority as belonging to the Pope.

spiritual leadership

Emphasizes the leadership aspect of religious figures.

theocratic influence

Highlights the influence exerted by religious leaders in government or society.

canonical power

Refers to power derived from religious law or canon.

divine right

Indicates a belief that power is granted by a higher power.

magisterium

Refers specifically to the teaching authority of the Catholic Church.

religious control

Emphasizes the controlling aspect of religious institutions or figures.

FAQs

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

You can use "clerical power" to describe the authority held by religious leaders or institutions, as in, "The reforms aimed to reduce the "clerical power" within the government."

What's a good alternative to "clerical power"?

Depending on the context, you could use "religious authority", "church authority", or "spiritual leadership" as alternatives.

Is "clerical power" always a positive thing?

Not necessarily. While it can refer to legitimate religious authority, it can also imply undue influence or control, so context is important.

What is the difference between "clerical power" and "political power"?

"Clerical power" refers to the authority held by religious leaders or institutions, while "political power" refers to the authority held by government officials or political entities. They operate in different spheres, though they can sometimes overlap.