exercise power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercise power" is correct and it is commonly used in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something having or exerting authority or control. For example, "The company's board members have the power to make important decisions, and they exercise this power regularly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Acknowledging and discussing how leaders exercise power can cause discomfort.

The Guardian

Instead, it often pays to exercise power early and visibly.

The New York Times

No one in this country should exercise power without responsibility.

The Guardian

Both exercise power as a bulwark against an essential insecurity.

The New Yorker

"Slobodan Milosevic was able to exercise power until a few commoners stormed the Parliament.

The New York Times - Arts

America can exercise power without arrogance and pursue its interests without hectoring and bluster.

The New York Times

So is government simply continuing to exercise power from the centre?

The Guardian

They exercise power and in retrospect, at least question it at the same time.

The New Yorker

"We exercise power without conquest," he said, "and sacrifice for the liberty of strangers".

The New York Times

Australian women are learning to exercise power in the glare of the public spotlight.

The Guardian

FG I think that the idea that consumers can exercise power on retailers is naïve.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about leadership or governance, use "exercise power" to denote the practical application of authority, rather than simply possessing it.

Common error

Avoid using "exercise power" when the context requires a more nuanced term like "influence". "Power" implies direct control, while "influence" suggests a more subtle, persuasive effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise power" functions primarily as a verbal phrase where "exercise" acts as a verb indicating the action of utilizing or implementing "power", which is a noun representing authority or control. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exercise power" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of implementing authority or control. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news media, science, and business. To enhance your writing, remember to use "exercise power" when you want to emphasize the practical application of authority. Be mindful of the subtle differences between "power" and "influence", ensuring your word choice accurately reflects the intended meaning. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the nuances of authority and control in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert influence

Replaces "power" with "influence", suggesting a more subtle or persuasive form of control.

wield authority

Substitutes "exercise" with "wield" and "power" with "authority", implying a formal or legal right to control.

exert control

Maintains the verb "exert" while replacing "power" with "control", focusing on the act of maintaining order or direction.

exert leverage

Replaces "power" with "leverage", suggesting the use of specific advantages to achieve a desired outcome.

bring to bear

This is an idiomatic alternative that suggests applying pressure or influence to achieve a specific outcome.

have sway over

Implies a gentle control and influence, more subtle than direct domination.

hold dominion over

Suggests supreme control and ownership, often in a geographical or metaphorical sense.

command influence

Indicates a formal or respected position that results in influence, suggesting leadership.

hold the reins

This idiomatic phrase illustrates control as directing or guiding something, such as a project or organization.

call the shots

This idiom implies making decisions and controlling the direction of an activity or organization.

FAQs

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

You can use "exercise power" to describe the act of using authority or control. For example, "The government can "exert control" through legislation" or "Leaders "wield authority" to guide their teams".

What are some alternatives to "exercise power"?

Alternatives include "exert influence", "wield authority", and "exert control", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "exercise of power" instead of "exercise power"?

Yes, "exercise of power" is grammatically correct and often used in more formal contexts. Both phrases are acceptable, but "exercise power" is more concise.

What's the difference between "exercise power" and "have power"?

"Have power" implies possession of authority, while "exercise power" implies the active use of that authority. One can "hold the reins" without necessarily choosing to actively "call the shots".