exert dominance

USAGE SUMMARY

'exert dominance' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or person in which one party or individual is attempting to assert their power or authority over another. For example, "The manager tried to exert dominance over his subordinates by making unreasonable demands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Criticism has strong psychological properties, and could criticising something everyone likes be an attempt to exert dominance over many people at once?

The Guardian

"The game is to exert dominance," said Dr. Reid Meloy, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California at San Diego, who is an expert on psychopathic behavior.

The New York Times

But we do posit that blacks are constrained to a style of leadership that does not allow them to flaunt power or exert dominance the way white males so commonly do.

Forbes

Hau'ofa (1993) described the pre-colonial Pacific as a 'sea of islands' within which people moved freely and frequently, created social networks, traded and exchanged goods, and at times engaged in conflict and attempted to exert dominance over one another (cited in Lee 2009: 1).

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

If misogyny can claim her power, then it can capitalize on it -- or exert dominance over it.

Huffington Post

But how the Body of Christ has forgotten Christianity 101 when we turn around and exert dominance and control over others.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Did she actually hate bread and this was her way of exerting dominance?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Their philanthropic gestures end up looking more like an assault on the creature, violently pushing and pulling as if exerting dominance or control over its lifeless body.

Vice

During the French Revolutionary Wars the Royal Navy had exerted dominance at sea over its continental rivals, most immediately the French Navy with its principal fleet based at Brest on the Breton coast of the Bay of Biscay.

Wikipedia

The man toward the front holds a thin stick above his head, exerting dominance, choreographing the animals' movements.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

They can be tough questions, as long as they arise from the desire to gain knowledge (curiosity) as opposed to the need to exert control or dominance (power), or the need to impress others with your ability to outsmart others (social status).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exert dominance" when you want to emphasize an active attempt to gain or maintain control, often in competitive or hierarchical situations. Consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the nature and extent of the influence being exerted.

Common error

Avoid using "exert dominance" in contexts where influence is subtle or collaborative. This phrase carries a connotation of forcefulness and may not be appropriate when describing shared leadership or mutual influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exert dominance" functions as a verb phrase, where "exert" acts as a transitive verb and "dominance" serves as its direct object. This implies an active application or demonstration of control. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exert dominance" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes an active attempt to gain or maintain control. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for use in written English. While "exert dominance" is typically found in news and scientific contexts, it's important to consider the context to ensure the accurate representation of the intended level of influence. Alternatives like "exercise authority" or "establish control" might be more appropriate in certain situations. Remember to avoid overuse in neutral or collaborative contexts to prevent misinterpretation. Despite being categorized as uncommon in terms of frequency, several authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian employ it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assert authority

Focuses on confidently declaring or demonstrating one's power or right to command.

establish control

Highlights the act of setting up or securing a position of command, suggesting a more deliberate effort.

maintain control

Emphasizes the ongoing effort to keep power or authority in a specific situation.

wield power

Emphasizes the ability to use influence effectively, often in a political or strategic context.

impose one's will

Suggests a forceful and sometimes unwelcome assertion of one's desires or decisions.

exercise authority

Refers to the formal right to give orders and enforce obedience, implying a more legitimate or recognized power.

gain ascendancy

Focuses on the process of rising to a dominant position, often in a competitive environment.

establish hegemony

Implies a broader, more encompassing dominance, often on a geopolitical or cultural scale.

command influence

Highlights the ability to sway opinions and actions, suggesting a persuasive form of power.

dominate proceedings

Implies controlling the course of events or discussions, often in a meeting or competition.

FAQs

How can I use "exert dominance" in a sentence?

You can use "exert dominance" to describe attempts to control others, such as, "The company tried to "exert dominance" over its competitors by lowering prices".

What are some alternatives to "exert dominance"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "exercise authority", "wield power", or "establish control".

Is it always negative to "exert dominance"?

While often associated with negative connotations due to the forceful nature of the action, whether "exert dominance" is inherently negative depends on the context and the fairness of the influence.

What is the difference between "exert dominance" and "assert dominance"?

"Exert dominance" implies an active application of power, whereas "assert dominance" focuses on declaring or demonstrating one's power confidently.