controlling powers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "controlling powers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to entities or forces that exert influence or authority over others, often in a political or organizational context. Example: "The controlling powers in the region have implemented new regulations that affect all businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The film produces plenty of emotional swings -- for me -- no more heartfelt than the series of interactions with his eldest son, who bears the brunt of high school harassment, attributable to his father's high profile and demonization by the controlling powers that be.

Huffington Post

The controlling powers in Dick's futuristic worlds are more often huge corporations than governments.

The New York Times - Books

Here, vampires stand as a metaphor for the controlling powers, and Roman's journey towards enlightenment is not so much physical as psychological as he trades extended philosophical dialogue with his handlers.

The Guardian - Books

The goal of these controlling powers is to shut down our finer human sensibilities.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But who is the superhuman controlling power Scientologists believe in?

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is a huge fight because men have been controlling power for centuries".

The New York Times

The regime has one aim, controlling power, so suspending its membership is worthless".

The New York Times

For many years from 1740 onward Hardwicke held the controlling power in the government.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Southern California air regulators are close to slashing their market-based system for controlling power plant pollution.

The New York Times

Why, for example, should the controlling power have felt obliged to burden us mere mortals with our own supposed autonomy?

The Guardian - Film

"His minister did not lie when he said that the controlling power in this country was rich white men.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "controlling powers" when you want to emphasize the act of controlling and the potential for that power to be exerted. This is suitable when the entity's active management or manipulation is central to your message.

Common error

Avoid using "controlling powers" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "leaders" or "people in charge" to maintain a natural tone. Overly formal language can sound stilted in everyday settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "controlling powers" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to entities or forces that exert control or authority. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "controlling powers" refers to entities or forces that exert influence and authority. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound and suitable for formal writing. While not particularly common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, often in the context of news, encyclopedias, and wiki content. The phrase serves to identify those in charge, often with an implication of their influence or management. Remember to use it carefully in informal contexts to avoid sounding overly formal. Alternatives like "ruling authorities" or "dominant forces" can offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ruling authorities

Emphasizes official governance and legal authority.

dominant forces

Highlights strength and prevalence in shaping events.

governing bodies

Focuses on structured organizations with decision-making power.

influential entities

Broadly refers to any group capable of exerting significant influence.

leading factions

Suggests competing groups vying for control.

managerial authorities

Implies control within an organisation.

regulatory agencies

Denotes bodies responsible for enforcing rules and standards.

supervising entities

Underscores a role of oversight and direction.

commanding influences

Highlights the directive nature of the powers.

executive branches

Specifically refers to the executive arm of government.

FAQs

How can I use "controlling powers" in a sentence?

You can use "controlling powers" to describe groups or individuals that have the authority to make decisions and exert influence. For example, "The "controlling powers" within the organization implemented new policies."

What's a more formal alternative to "controlling powers"?

More formal alternatives to "controlling powers" include "ruling authorities", "governing bodies", or "dominant forces" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "controlling powers" instead of "leadership"?

"Controlling powers" is best used when you want to emphasize the act of controlling or the mechanisms of power. "Leadership" focuses more on guidance and direction, whereas "controlling powers" implies more direct authority and potentially even manipulation.

What is the difference between "controlling power" and "controlling powers"?

"Controlling power" refers to the ability or capacity to control something, whereas "controlling powers" refers to entities or individuals that possess and exert that power. The plural form specifies that there are multiple agents of control.