come to power

USAGE SUMMARY

"come to power" is correct and perfectly usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an individual or group gaining control of a country, organization, etc. For example: After the 2020 elections, the Liberal Party came to power in the country.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's hard to win an election, let alone come to power, without a strong, powerful leader".

The New York Times

HOW did he come to power?

The New York Times

She ponders Putin, newly come to power.

The New York Times - Books

-How does the leader come to power?

The New York Times

-How did each leader come to power?

The New York Times

How did Maximilien Robespierre come to power?

Britannica

How did Augustus come to power?

Britannica

8. How did Bouteflika come to power?

The Washington Post

A new generation of leaders has come to power.

The Economist

And after the genocide I saw Kagame come to power.

The New Yorker

This was day deGaulle was to come to power.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "come to power", consider specifying the method by which power was attained (e.g. "come to power through democratic elections" or "come to power through military coup").

Common error

Avoid using "come to power" when describing someone simply gaining influence or popularity without a formal position. This phrase is most appropriate when referring to a formal acquisition of control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come to power" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of gaining control or authority. It is often used to describe how individuals or groups attain leadership positions, especially in politics or organizations. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is perfectly usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

19%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "come to power" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the process of acquiring control or authority, often in a political or organizational context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and academic sources, reflecting its neutral register and broad applicability. While alternatives like "assume control" or "seize power" exist, each carries slightly different connotations. When using "come to power", it's best practice to clarify the means by which the power was attained to provide a clearer understanding of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become the leader

This is a more general term for assuming a leadership position, without necessarily implying control over a large entity.

assume control

This phrase is more direct and less nuanced than "come to power", suggesting a more immediate and possibly forceful acquisition of authority.

seize power

This phrase suggests a sudden, often forceful or illegitimate, acquisition of control.

take office

This phrase is specific to formal positions within a government or organization, unlike "come to power" which can apply more broadly.

attain authority

This is a more formal and general way of saying someone has achieved a position of authority.

take the reins

This implies taking control, often after a period of instability or transition.

rise to prominence

This suggests a gradual increase in influence and visibility, rather than a specific moment of gaining power.

establish dominance

This implies setting up a long-lasting control, rather than just reaching a position of power.

gain ascendancy

This implies a more prolonged and competitive process of achieving dominance.

win an election

This specifies a democratic process of gaining power through popular vote.

FAQs

How can I use "come to power" in a sentence?

You can use "come to power" to describe how someone gains control or authority. For example: "The dictator came to power through a military coup".

What can I say instead of "come to power"?

Alternatives include "assume control", "take office", or "seize power", depending on the specific context.

Is "come to power" formal or informal?

"Come to power" is generally considered neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

What is the difference between "come to power" and "rise to prominence"?

"Come to power" specifically refers to gaining control or authority, while "rise to prominence" indicates an increase in visibility and influence, not necessarily formal control.