exert power over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exert power over" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to have control or influence over someone or something. For example, "The president wanted to exert power over the people by passing a new law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Essentially it is unclear how and why this Nevada judge purports to exert powers over hundreds of separate defendants internationally and order relief from parties only tangentially related to the case, such as search engines.

TechCrunch

"The speaker exerted power over the council's committees". The legislation stalled on the council floor.

The Guardian

An internally democratic oligarchy exerting power over a far larger community is nothing new.

The Economist

Marc Rotenberg, executive director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, said the report makes it clear that Congress has exerted power over domestic surveillance.

The Washington Post

"This piece strives to show the bigger picture: How big players – exerting power over internet access, device, platform, and data markets – have become a liability.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exert power over", consider the specific type of influence being described. Is it formal authority, subtle manipulation, or direct control? Choose related words to match the scenario.

Common error

Avoid using "exert power over" when the influence is weak or indirect. Using a more subtle term like "influence" may be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exert power over" functions as a verb phrase, where "exert" is the verb indicating the action of applying or exercising, "power" is the noun representing the capacity to influence, and "over" is a preposition indicating the target of that influence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exert power over" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the act of exercising control or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for written English. Analysis of its usage reveals it frequently appears in news media and academic writing. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the specific nuance intended, whether it's legitimate authority or subtle manipulation. Alternatives like "exercise authority over" or "wield influence on" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Overall, "exert power over" is a versatile phrase for describing the dynamics of control in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise authority over

Replaces "power" with "authority", implying a legitimate or recognized right to control.

wield influence on

Substitutes "power" with "influence", focusing on the capacity to affect someone's decisions or actions.

dominate

Conveys a more forceful sense of control than "exert power over".

hold sway over

Implies a persuasive influence, rather than direct control.

control

Offers a more direct and simplified term for having power over someone or something.

command

Suggests a more formal and hierarchical type of control.

manipulate

Implies exerting power in a subtle, often deceptive way.

have dominion over

Emphasizes ownership and control, often in a legal or official context.

lord it over

Denotes an arrogant or overbearing way of exerting power.

call the shots

Informal idiom indicating control over decisions.

FAQs

What does "exert power over" mean?

The phrase "exert power over" means to exercise control, authority, or influence over someone or something. It implies an active effort to direct or dominate.

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

You can use "exert power over" in sentences like, "The government tried to exert power over the media" or "Bullies often try to exert power over their victims."

What are some alternatives to "exert power over"?

Alternatives include "exercise authority over", "wield influence on", or simply "control", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to "exert power over" someone?

Not necessarily. While it can imply domination, "exert power over" can also describe legitimate authority, like a manager exerting power over a team to achieve goals, but a negative interpretation can arise when referring to "manipulate" or "dominate".