exercise dominion over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercise dominion over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing control, authority, or influence over something or someone. Example: "The king sought to exercise dominion over the entire realm, asserting his power over all subjects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

For the first time, viewers could comfortably exercise dominion over sound and image without simultaneously exercising the body on the march between couch and dial.

The New York Times

One sceptical definition of "dominionism" describes it as "a theocratic view that...heterosexual Christian men are called by God to exercise dominion over secular society by taking control of political and cultural institutions".Other signs of that mentality?

The Economist

They talk of "federal wolves" undermining their property rights, and challenging the God-ordained duty of humans to protect their own families, and exercise dominion over Creation.Crying wolfYellowstone's hidden moral disputes offer wider lessons to America, a country that is increasingly divided and unusually keen on tackling complex ethical questions in judicial and quasi-judicial settings.

The Economist

Duncan: The headlines are full of stories about people using power imbalances to exercise dominion over others.

Forbes

And, like the formation of rocks, we observe a regular succession of organic formations, the later always descending from the earlier, down to the present inhabitants of the earth, and to the last created being who was to exercise dominion over them.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

In Jameson's (1827, p. 431) chapter on On the Universal Deluge, he writes: And, like the formation of rocks, we observe a regular succession of organic formations, the later always descending from the earlier, down to the present inhabitants of the earth, and to the last created being who was to exercise dominion over them.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"Satan exercised dominion over you to the point where you started thinking that you had knowledge and ability greater than anyone else, including me, the creator of the company," Young wrote in an e-mail.

The New Yorker

Within the last twenty years, rather than seeking to legitimize their right to nationhood by exploring artifacts from a pre-Hispanic past, Andean archaeologists seem to be focusing more and more on a period in which Western imperial powers exercised dominion over Latin America.

Harvard University

Consequently, current law unnecessarily restrains public access to works that authors have not exercised dominion over for decades.

Duke University

Under New York law, "to possess" is "to have physical possession or otherwise to exercise dominion or control over tangible property". N.Y.Penal Law § 10.00 8) (McKinney 1975).

Cornell University

Assuming that the jury did reject it, the case is tantamount to one in which the guns were lying on the car's floor or seat in the plain view of respondents, and in such a case it is surely rational to infer that each of the respondents was fully aware of the guns' presence and had both the ability and the intent to exercise dominion and control over them.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the nuance of "exercise dominion over". It can sometimes carry connotations of entitlement or even oppression, so choose it carefully depending on your intended tone.

Common error

Avoid using "exercise dominion over" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase is relatively formal and can sound stilted in everyday contexts. Consider using simpler alternatives like "control" or "influence" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise dominion over" functions as a verb phrase that describes the act of exerting control or authority. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. It often implies a deliberate and active assertion of power.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exercise dominion over" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of exerting control or authority. Ludwig AI validates its usage across various contexts, particularly in news, academic writing and religion. While suitable for formal and neutral registers, it should be used thoughtfully due to its connotations of power and entitlement. Consider alternatives like "exert control over" or "wield authority over" for slightly different nuances. Steer clear of using it in overly informal settings where simpler language would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert control over

Emphasizes the act of putting control into action.

wield authority over

Focuses on the possession and application of formal authority.

exert influence over

Highlights the ability to affect someone or something without direct control.

hold sway over

Suggests a persuasive or dominant influence.

maintain control over

Implies an ongoing effort to keep something under control.

govern

A more concise term for ruling or controlling.

rule

Indicates ultimate authority and control.

dominate

Stresses a position of power and control, sometimes negatively.

lord it over

Carries a negative connotation of arrogant or oppressive control.

have mastery over

Implies complete skill and control in a specific area.

FAQs

How can I use "exercise dominion over" in a sentence?

You can use "exercise dominion over" to describe actively asserting control or authority, as in "The corporation sought to "exercise dominion over" the local market".

What are some alternatives to "exercise dominion over"?

Some alternatives include "exert control over", "wield authority over", or simply "govern", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "exercise dominion over" and "have influence on"?

"Exercise dominion over" implies direct control or authority, while "have influence on" suggests a more subtle and indirect effect.

Is "exercise dominion over" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "exercise dominion over" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in discussions of power dynamics, religious concepts, or environmental responsibility.