exercising their power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercising their power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing authority, control, or influence that individuals or groups may have in various situations. Example: "The committee is responsible for exercising their power to make decisions that affect the entire organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"They're probably more overt in exercising their power than people like Packer were".

The Guardian - Business

Will the heads of the large bodies simply find ways of exercising their power within this new group?

The New York Times

That will not happen until shareholders become much more active in exercising their power as owners and behave less like speculators along for the ride.

University of California, Berkeley

The Congress found the rule of Mr. Haldeman & Mr. Erlichman-men holding positions not mentioned in the Constitution-barely tolerable when it thought they were exercising their power in accordance with Presidential instructions.

The New Yorker

But many governors (and recent presidents) have become wary of exercising their power of late, for fear of stirring up just the sort of controversy now facing Mr Barbour.

The Economist

"They're probably more overt in exercising their power than people like Packer were". Flamboyant, brash and opinionated, Palmer's personal wealth is estimated at A$5bn, initially made in property and later in nickel, coal and iron ore.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

For the many armchair detectives who enjoy exercising their powers of ratiocination on his death, that might be good news.

Britannica

It had taken them since 1985 to get the official record to show Groce's shooting, witnessed by her young son who was left screaming, was not an accident but due to failings by agents of the state exercising their powers.

The Guardian

This is one of the most subtle and insidious forms in which the richer, more powerful, and mostly international, stakeholders exercise their power to dictate international development agendas.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The contradiction of simultaneously wishing technology companies less powerful, but also wanting them to exercise their power more directly, is a frequent theme when we try to make sense of this uniquely unregulated media environment.

The Guardian

Much of the focus of the book, according to Mr. Nader, is on how these immensely powerful men got that way and how they exercise their power at the top.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the actions of individuals or organizations, ensure the context clearly indicates the scope and legitimacy of their power. For example, specify whether they are "exercising their power" within legal, ethical, or social boundaries.

Common error

Be specific about the type of power being exercised. Instead of broadly stating someone is "exercising their power", clarify whether it's political influence, economic leverage, or social authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercising their power" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun in a sentence. It describes the act of utilizing authority or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

31%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exercising their power" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe the act of utilizing authority or influence. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and offers numerous examples across various contexts. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science sources. While generally neutral, the specific context and source can influence the perceived formality of the phrase. When writing, consider the specific type of power being exercised and whether a more neutral term might be appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wielding their power

Focuses on the act of holding and using power, implying control and influence.

exerting their influence

Emphasizes the act of applying influence to achieve a desired outcome.

utilizing their authority

Highlights the use of legitimate authority in a specific context.

implementing their control

Focuses on the practical application of control over a situation or group.

applying their leverage

Suggests using a strategic advantage to achieve a goal.

bringing their weight to bear

Implies using one's full influence or resources to impact a situation.

flexing their muscles

An idiomatic expression suggesting a show of power or strength.

bringing their clout to bear

Similar to 'bringing their weight to bear', using influence and connections.

exerting dominance

Highlights the act of showing control.

applying their sway

Emphasizes the influence one has over opinions or decisions.

FAQs

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

You can use "exercising their power" to describe how individuals or groups utilize their authority or influence, for example: "The government is "exercising their power" to enforce new regulations".

What are some alternatives to "exercising their power"?

Alternatives include "wielding their power", "exerting their influence", or "utilizing their authority", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it always appropriate to describe actions as "exercising their power"?

It depends on the context. The phrase can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying abuse of authority. Consider whether a more neutral term like "implementing their control" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "exercising their power" and "exercising their authority"?

"Exercising their power" is a broader term, encompassing any form of influence or control. "Exercising their authority" specifically refers to the use of legitimate, recognized power.