exercising power over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercising power over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing authority, control, or influence that one entity has over another. Example: "The government is often criticized for exercising power over its citizens in ways that infringe on their rights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 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

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

And religious people would put much more emphasis on group rights than some secularists would.Religions are an example of groups which are "not coercive in the sense of exercising power over a person against their will, nor are they compulsory, in the sense of denying people the right of exit," Mr Spencer affirms.

The Economist

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

Scholars have described movements, such as Via Campesina, in terms of exercising power over and opposing transnational agriculture corporations [67].

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exercising power over", consider the nuance you want to convey. Is it formal authority, subtle influence, or forceful control? Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific dynamic you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "exercising power over" when describing situations where influence is minimal or indirect. Overstating the level of control can lead to inaccurate or misleading representations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercising power over" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of exerting control or influence by one entity over another. It describes the active application of authority, as evidenced by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exercising power over" is a versatile expression used to describe the act of exerting control or influence, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, make it a reliable choice for conveying authority and dominance. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it's essential to be mindful of the specific nuance you wish to convey and to avoid overstating the degree of control involved. Alternatives such as "wielding authority over" or "exerting influence over" may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wielding authority over

Focuses on the formal or legitimate aspect of control, suggesting a right to exercise influence.

exerting control over

Emphasizes the active application of control, highlighting the effort involved.

exerting influence over

Highlights the effect of one entity on another without necessarily implying direct command.

having dominion over

Suggests complete ownership and control, often in a more absolute or historical sense.

holding sway over

Implies a more subtle form of influence, where one entity's opinion or preference is dominant.

controlling

A more direct and concise way of expressing dominance or authority.

dominating

Suggests a more forceful and potentially oppressive form of control.

governing

Implies a structured and regulated form of control, typically associated with political entities.

commanding

Focuses on the ability to give orders and ensure compliance.

ruling

Suggests ultimate authority and decision-making power.

FAQs

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

You can use "exercising power over" to describe situations where an entity exerts control or influence over another. For example, "The government is often criticized for exercising power over its citizens."

What are some alternatives to "exercising power over"?

You can use alternatives like "wielding authority over", "exerting control over", or "exerting influence over" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "exercising power over" and "exerting power over"?

While both phrases are similar, "exercising power over" often implies a more established or recognized authority, while "exerting power over" might suggest a more active or forceful application of power.

In what contexts is "exercising power over" most appropriate?

"Exercising power over" is suitable in contexts discussing governance, authority, control dynamics, and influence relationships. It is commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and formal discussions.