establish a dictatorship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "establish a dictatorship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions about political systems, governance, or historical contexts where a dictatorial regime is being formed or discussed. Example: "The leader's ultimate goal was to establish a dictatorship that would suppress dissent and control the populace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The SWP wants to abolish democracy and establish a dictatorship.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hitler used the arson to suspend civil liberties and establish a dictatorship.

Independent

DESPITE Mr Putin's promise to establish a "dictatorship of the law", the judiciary in Russia is far from just.

The Economist

Meanwhile, Karl Marx predicted that workers would someday seize the means of production and establish a dictatorship of the proletariat.

The Guardian

One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship.

The New Yorker

To "assign the task of creating soviets and try to establish a dictatorship of the proletariat in Spain... would be a fatal mistake," an early Comintern report concludes.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Mr Argaña's supporters, accusing Mr Cubas of establishing a dictatorship, set out, in a special session of Congress, to get him impeached.

The Economist

His accusations against Mr Hashemi come just after the Prime Minister had called for a vote of no confidence in parliament against the Sunni Deputy Prime Minister Saleh al-Mutlaq, who had accused him of establishing a dictatorship.

Independent

In Italy, the murder of the Socialist leader Giacomo Matteotti in 1924 plunged Benito Mussolini's government into crisis until the Duce (himself accused of complicity) suspended Parliament and established a dictatorship.

The New York Times

Poland, having been drawn in as a Baltic power coveted by Sweden, pushed its own ambitions by attacking Russia and establishing a dictatorship in Moscow under Władysław, Poland's future king.

Britannica

This has required changes on the part of both principal actors: the FMLN had to give up the idea of establishing a "dictatorship of the proletariat" and to make the transition from an armed political organization to a legal political party.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "establish a dictatorship", ensure that the context clearly indicates the actions and policies that lead to the formation of an autocratic regime. Provide specific examples to support your claims.

Common error

Avoid using "establish a dictatorship" loosely to describe situations that are simply displays of strong leadership or policy disagreements. Reserve it for scenarios where fundamental democratic principles are genuinely threatened or overturned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establish a dictatorship" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing the action of bringing a dictatorial regime into existence. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in historical and political contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "establish a dictatorship" correctly describes the action of setting up an autocratic regime. Ludwig shows that this phrase frequently appears in news and historical contexts, maintains a neutral register, and is often used to objectively describe the actions taken to undermine democracy and centralize power. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable in different scenarios. Remember to use it when the historical and political setting objectively demonstrates the creation of dictatorial rule.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

institute a dictatorship

Focuses on the formal act of bringing a dictatorship into being.

form a dictatorship

Emphasizes the process of creating a dictatorship.

set up a dictatorship

Highlights the organizational aspect of creating a dictatorship.

found a dictatorship

Implies a more lasting and foundational establishment of a dictatorship.

create an autocracy

Uses a different term for a similar type of government.

institute totalitarian rule

Focuses on the comprehensive control associated with a dictatorship.

impose authoritarianism

Highlights the act of forcing an authoritarian system onto a population.

seize dictatorial power

Focuses on the acquisition of power necessary to establish a dictatorship.

build a totalitarian state

Emphasizes the construction and development of a dictatorship.

enforce autocratic governance

Highlights the enforcement and maintenance of dictatorial control.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "establish a dictatorship"?

Alternatives include "institute a dictatorship", "form a dictatorship", or "set up a dictatorship".

How is "establish a dictatorship" typically used in historical contexts?

It often describes the actions of leaders who undermine democratic institutions to consolidate power, such as Hitler's use of the Reichstag fire to "establish a dictatorship".

Is it accurate to describe any strong leader as trying to "establish a dictatorship"?

No, the phrase should be reserved for situations where there is a clear effort to dismantle democratic norms and concentrate power in an autocratic manner. Otherwise, it can be an exaggeration.

What's the difference between "establish a dictatorship" and "maintain a dictatorship"?

"Establish a dictatorship" refers to the initial process of creating dictatorial rule, while "maintain a dictatorship" implies efforts to sustain that rule once it is in place.