dominate them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dominate them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one entity exerts control or influence over another, often in competitive or confrontational situations. Example: "In the final match, the team managed to dominate them with their superior strategy and teamwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Reds battered him for 13 hits on June 30, but even that day there were signs that Halladay could dominate them.

The New York Times - Sports

"We will dominate them".

The New York Times

You can just dominate them anyway.

The New Yorker

A new generation of huge ships that are almost half a kilometre long will dominate them.

The Economist

Years later, the robots, who were created to serve humans, have come to dominate them completely.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I want to use them, to enjoy them, and to dominate them".

The New Yorker

"South Africa like to bully teams mentally and then dominate them," said Gatland.

The Guardian - Sport

But they do not want to merely amaze the Knicks; they want to dominate them.

The New York Times - Sports

It doesn't matter who is in front of him, he thinks he can dominate them.

The Guardian - Sport

We have to have solidarity with our family and neighbors, to help them, not to dominate them or humiliate them".

The New York Times

"If you are strong enough and they allow themselves to be dominated you can dominate them," he says.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dominate them", ensure the context clearly indicates the type of dominance being exerted, whether it's physical, intellectual, or strategic.

Common error

Avoid using "dominate them" in situations where influence or strong performance would be more accurate. Overstating the level of control can sound aggressive or hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dominate them" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "dominate" is the verb and "them" is the object. It indicates the action of exerting control or influence over a group or entity. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, confirming its function as an active verb phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dominate them" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that conveys the act of exerting control or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is acceptable in written English. It appears most commonly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki sources, indicating a neutral register. While alternatives like "overpower them" or "control them" exist, "dominate them" effectively communicates the concept of superiority or command. When using this phrase, clarity and context are essential to avoid misinterpretations of aggressive or hyperbolic intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overpower them

Focuses on physical or forceful control, suggesting a stronger, more aggressive form of dominance.

control them

Implies a management or regulation of their actions and behaviors.

subdue them

Suggests bringing them under control after resistance or opposition.

conquer them

Emphasizes victory and complete control, often in a competitive context.

rule them

Indicates governance and authority over a group.

master them

Highlights a high level of skill or expertise used to control or influence.

have dominion over them

Formal and suggests complete authority and ownership.

get the better of them

Focuses on surpassing or outperforming them.

triumph over them

Highlights victory after a significant struggle.

prevail over them

Suggests overcoming challenges to gain control or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "dominate them" in a sentence?

You can use "dominate them" to describe exerting control or superiority over others. For example: "The team aimed to dominate them through a combination of skill and strategy."

What can I say instead of "dominate them"?

You can use alternatives like "overpower them", "control them", or "subdue them" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "dominate them" or "dominate over them"?

"Dominate them" is the correct and more concise phrasing. "Dominate over them" is redundant as "dominate" already implies control over someone or something.

What's the difference between "dominate them" and "defeat them"?

"Dominate them" suggests a sustained period of control or superiority, while "defeat them" implies a single instance of winning or overcoming them.