exercise power over

USAGE SUMMARY

"exercise power over" is a perfectly valid phrase that can be used in written English.
It basically means to have control or authority over something or someone. For example, you could say, "The dictator exercised power over their country for many years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The wish of Merkel's government to exercise power over Europe has proved capable of endangering the entire European project.

The Guardian - Opinion

Segovia's way of telling is also an attempt to exercise power over his story: he maintains control even as the elements threaten to slip away.

The Guardian - Books

He argues that conservative laws banning abortion and homosexuality foster an atmosphere in which "macho males" feel able to exercise power over others.

The Guardian

This linguistic "swarm" was taught to the narrator and his brothers by their father, who used it to exercise power over his sons in sinister and ambiguous ways.

The New Yorker

Perhaps a better question to ask would be whether we need to trust numbers for them to exercise power over us?

The Guardian

This linguistic "swarm" was taught to the narrator by his father, who used it to exercise power over his sons in sinister and ambiguous ways.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"The eroticisation of women's physical appearance is a way of exercising power over women.

The Guardian

The religion of the right is a political institution concerned more with exercising power over social behavior than with Jesus' anticonformist teachings of justice and compassion.

The New York Times

As Conrad's most faithful vassal, he exercised power over lands that sealed Lombardy off from France while making it accessible to the Emperor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When Robert Jay, the counsel for the inquiry, put it to her that media executives and editors were "unelected forces" influencing policy by exercising power over governments, Ms. Brooks said she disagreed.

The New York Times

COMMENT FROM CHARLIE: You call what the Israelis are doing in the West Bank 'occupation' but doesn't that imply a temporary state of affairs (in international law) when really the Israelis are interested in a control regime (not temporary), thereby exercising power over a region that has no vote in the Knesset?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exercise power over", ensure that the context clearly indicates the scope and legitimacy of the power being exerted. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "exercise power over" when a more nuanced term like "influence" or "guide" is more appropriate. Overstating the level of control can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise power over" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of exerting control or authority. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing hierarchical relationships, political dynamics, and personal interactions where one entity influences or governs another.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exercise power over" is a phrase used to describe the act of exerting control or authority. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage across various contexts. While most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific sources, it maintains a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, be mindful of the specific context to ensure that it accurately reflects the degree of control being exerted. Consider related phrases like "wield influence over" or "exert control over" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert control over

Highlights the act of controlling, emphasizing direct management and regulation.

hold sway over

Suggests a persuasive influence or power that affects decisions or opinions.

wield influence over

Focuses on exerting influence, which is a subtler form of control than outright power.

have authority over

Indicates a legitimate right to give commands and enforce obedience.

command influence

Stresses the ability to direct or strongly affect something.

dominate

Implies a stronger, more forceful control, often suggesting suppression of others.

govern

Refers specifically to the act of ruling or managing a state or organization.

master

Implies comprehensive control and skill, often in relation to a specific domain.

call the shots

An idiom that signifies making important decisions and having overall control.

rule with an iron fist

Highlights a severe, authoritarian style of control.

FAQs

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

You can use "exercise power over" to describe situations where someone or something has control or authority over another. For example, "The government can "exercise power over" its citizens through laws and regulations."

What are some alternatives to "exercise power over"?

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

Is it better to say "exercise power over" or "have power over"?

"Exercise power over" implies active use of authority, while "have power over" simply indicates possession of that authority. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the action or the state of having power.

What's the difference between "exercise power over" and "exercise influence over"?

"Exercise power over" suggests a more direct and potentially coercive control, while "exercise influence over" implies a subtler, more persuasive form of control. Influence is often based on persuasion rather than direct authority.