disproportionate power

USAGE SUMMARY

'disproportionate power' is a valid phrase used in written English.
An example sentence might be: "The president has amassed disproportionate power, making it near-impossible to challenge his decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bureaucrats wielded disproportionate power.

The Economist

Traditionally, capital wielded disproportionate power.

The New York Times

Small-state senators still exercise disproportionate power.

The New Yorker

Certainly any departure from strict majority rule gives disproportionate power to the minority.

Cornell University

Coalition governments give disproportionate power to regional and caste-based minority parties.

The Economist

The electoral system gives disproportionate power to minor partners in government.

The Economist

The racial group with disproportionate power and wealth benefits from the masking over of racial inequity".

The New York Times

They wield disproportionate power for a party with 57 seats out of 650.

Independent

This, unfortunately, is the disproportionate power of terrorism in the internet age.

The Guardian - Opinion

Imagine the wholly disproportionate power that can be wielded by the eight Euro-fanatical Lib Dems.

The Guardian

In 2004 I wrote a book on the disproportionate power of supermarkets to a warm reception.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disproportionate power", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what holds the power and how it affects others. Providing specific examples strengthens the argument.

Common error

Avoid attributing "disproportionate power" without adequate evidence. Ensure your claim is supported by factual information and avoid relying on assumptions or stereotypes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disproportionate power" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, it describes an imbalance of authority or influence. Examples include "wields disproportionate power" or "exercise disproportionate power."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disproportionate power" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes an unfair or excessive concentration of influence or authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is considered valid in written English. Its presence is most prominent in news and media, followed by academic and encyclopedic contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clear context and factual backing to avoid misattribution. Alternatives such as "excessive power" or "undue influence" may be considered for nuanced expression. Use of "disproportionate power" in writing serves to highlight power imbalances and often implies a need for awareness or change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uneven power

Focuses on the lack of balance in power distribution.

excessive power

Highlights the overabundance of power in a particular entity.

inordinate power

Emphasizes that the power is beyond what is considered normal or reasonable.

undue influence

Highlights the inappropriate or unwarranted impact on decisions or actions.

lopsided influence

Conveys an image of imbalance and asymmetry in the degree of influence.

unbalanced authority

Stresses the lack of equilibrium in formal power.

skewed control

Suggests a distortion in the distribution of control.

unequal footing

This is a more subtle phrase indicating an unfair power dynamic.

disproportionate advantage

Focuses on the benefit derived from an unequal power dynamic.

asymmetrical power dynamic

A more formal way to describe the imbalance of authority.

FAQs

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

You can use "disproportionate power" to describe situations where one entity has an unfair or excessive amount of influence, such as: "The corporation wields "disproportionate power" in the political landscape."

What's the difference between "disproportionate power" and "unequal power"?

"Disproportionate power" emphasizes that the level of power held is excessive or unfair relative to others, while "unequal power" simply highlights the existence of an imbalance without necessarily implying unfairness. Consider /s/uneven+power as alternative to "unequal power".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "disproportionate power"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "excessive power", "undue influence", or "inordinate power".

Is it correct to say someone 'wields disproportionate power'?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to say someone "wields disproportionate power". It means they possess and exercise an unfair or excessive amount of influence.