exert power

USAGE SUMMARY

"exert power" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone using or displaying power or authority, either through physical force or through influence. For example: "The cruel dictator exerted his power over his people, leaving them oppressed and hopeless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I suggest that the people who give power to the objects that exert power are the ones who are truly powerful.

Huffington Post

Men hurt women in order to exert power over them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Those boys were trying to exert power over a person placed there to rein them in.

The New York Times

It feels like a way for them to exert power over you".

The New York Times

The fear is that these suits will become a backdoor way for corporations to exert power over public policy.

The New Yorker

If a government dominated by the Northern Alliance denies the Pashtuns power in Afghanistan proper, they will exert power elsewhere.

The New York Times

Moreover, those who decide who has the capability to advance are those who already exert power: men.

The Guardian

"Online tools and mobile technologies can provide yet another way for perpetrators to exert power and control over women".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

From China's perspective, the possible advantage would be to exert power to obtain direct and concrete benefits.

The New York Times

How do people exert power over those who are close to them in ways that are unhealthy or even detrimental?

The New York Times

The French philosopher Michel Foucault, argued that every such attempt to describe and circumscribe a subject is also an attempt to exert power over it.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how power is used, specify the domain or area in which the power is being exerted. For example, "exert power in political negotiations" or "exert power over financial decisions".

Common error

Avoid using "exert power" without specifying the context or the means by which power is exerted. Saying someone "exerts power" is vague; clarify how they do it to provide a clearer picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exert power" functions as a verb phrase where "exert" is the transitive verb and "power" is the direct object. It describes the action of applying or using power or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is correct and suitable for use in written English. Ludwig provides numerous examples, showing its usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exert power" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the active use of authority or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for written English and appears frequently in news, media, and academic contexts. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify the context in which power is being exerted. Alternatives such as ""exercise authority"" and ""wield influence"" can be used to provide slightly different nuances. Remember to avoid overgeneralization by specifying how the power is exerted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wield power

Suggests skillfully using power.

exercise authority

Focuses on the legitimate right to use power.

wield influence

Emphasizes the indirect effect on others.

exert control

Highlights the act of maintaining dominance.

apply pressure

Suggests a more forceful and direct action to achieve a goal.

bring to bear

Implies focusing resources or influence on a particular situation.

establish dominance

Focuses on creating a position of authority.

have influence

Highlights possession of influence rather than the act of using it.

dominate others

Highlights control, often negatively.

pull strings

Refers to exerting influence discreetly or behind the scenes.

FAQs

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

You can use "exert power" to describe individuals or entities using their authority or influence. For example, "The government can "exercise authority" to enforce laws" or "Corporations often "wield influence" in political campaigns".

What are some alternatives to "exert power"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as ""exercise authority"", ""wield influence"", or "exert control".

Is it better to say "exercise power" or "exert power"?

Both "exert power" and "exercise power" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Exert" emphasizes the application of effort or force, while "exercise" emphasizes the right or ability to use power. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "exert power"?

The phrase "exert power" is appropriate in situations where someone or something is actively using their influence, authority, or strength to affect a situation or another entity. This can range from political maneuvering to personal relationships where one party tries to "dominate others".