desire for power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'desire for power' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk or write about someone's strong ambition to have power or influence over others. For example, "His desire for power was evident in the way he treated his underlings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It has to be the desire for power and ego.

The Guardian

He was corrupted not by money but by a desire for power.

The New Yorker

Then as now, any apparent ideological differences pale in comparison to their desire for power.

The Economist

A desire for power may lead him or her to centralize decision-making as well.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Nationalism, on the other hand," he said, "is inseparable from the desire for power".

The New York Times

He disavowed any desire for power or wealth but hungered for public recognition.

The Guardian

Underlying almost any con is the desire for power — for control over other people's lives.

The New Yorker

Language Arts- George Orwell wrote "1984" as a commentary on human nature's desire for power.

The New York Times

Nationalism, on the other hand, is inseparable from the desire for power.

The Washington Post

Her reason for doing this calls on another sexist trope: her desire for power denied to her as a woman.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Soon after, Kakashi teaches Sasuke his powerful Chidori technique to appease his desire for power.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing motivations, use "desire for power" to highlight the underlying ambition and control aspect. For example, "His actions were driven by a desire for power and influence."

Common error

Avoid attributing complex behaviors solely to a "desire for power" without considering other factors. Oversimplifying motivations can lead to shallow interpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desire for power" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a strong feeling or ambition towards gaining influence or control, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desire for power" is a frequently used noun phrase that effectively conveys the ambition or motivation to gain control or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. This phrase appears predominantly in News & Media, Academic, and Science sources, indicating its relevance across diverse domains. When employing "desire for power" in writing, it's important to consider alternative expressions like "ambition for control" or "yearning for authority" to provide nuanced portrayals of motivation. Avoid oversimplifying complex situations by attributing actions solely to this desire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hunger for control

Similar to thirst, but frames it as a basic need.

need for control

Framing the drive as a basic need for influence.

ambition for control

Focuses on the ambition aspect but specifies it's regarding control.

drive for dominance

Highlights the aggressive pursuit of a dominant position.

craving for command

Highlights the intense desire to be in command.

yearning for authority

Emphasizes a deep longing for authority and influence.

thirst for influence

Suggests a strong and insatiable need for influence.

pursuit of authority

Highlights the active chase after a position of authority.

zeal for authority

Emphasizes an enthusiastic and passionate approach to gaining authority.

quest for supremacy

Implies a challenging and long journey to achieve supremacy.

FAQs

How can I use "desire for power" in a sentence?

You can use "desire for power" to describe someone's ambition or motivation to gain control or influence, as in "The politician's desire for power was evident in their relentless pursuit of higher office."

What are some alternatives to "desire for power"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "ambition for control", "yearning for authority", or "drive for dominance".

Is it always negative to have a "desire for power"?

Not necessarily. A "desire for power" can be a neutral or even positive trait if it motivates someone to improve systems or advocate for others. However, it can become negative when it leads to corruption or abuse of authority.

What is the difference between "desire for power" and "will to power"?

"Desire for power" is a general term for wanting control or influence. "Will to power" is a philosophical concept, notably by Nietzsche, referring to a fundamental drive for self-assertion, domination, and growth.