exerting dominance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exerting dominance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something is demonstrating control or influence over others. Example: "The lion was exerting dominance over the other animals in the pride, asserting its position as the leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 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

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

Emerging Infectious Diseases

It is important for the prime minister to declare with such zeal that he wants to tackle the "minority of men" who perpetuate misogynistic attitudes and "exert damaging control" – but the same determination should apply to those exerting dominance and control over the one in four women in England and Wales who experience domestic violence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 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

Far from the established players continuing to exert dominance, it is the new newer manufacturers that are shaping up to have the biggest impact on 2014.

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

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

Huffington Post

For Assad, encircling Syrian territory and populations is a way to exert dominance and control while defying international human rights actors who oppose his leadership.

HuffPost

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for conciseness, consider using "showing dominance" instead of "exerting dominance".

Common error

Avoid using "exerting dominance" to describe simple acts of leadership or influence. The phrase implies a deliberate and often forceful attempt to establish control, which may not always be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exerting dominance" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, describing an action or process. It's used to denote the active display or application of control, influence, or authority. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Academia

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Exerting dominance" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes the active display of control or power. While not as common as simpler alternatives, it conveys a deliberate and often forceful attempt to establish control. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usability. It is found in diverse contexts, frequently in news and media and scientific publications. When writing, consider the context and choose "exerting dominance" when you want to emphasize the intentional and forceful nature of the control being displayed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

showing dominance

This alternative replaces the gerund form with a simple present participle, changing the emphasis slightly.

establishing control

This alternative focuses on the act of setting up control rather than actively displaying it.

wielding power

This alternative emphasizes the use of power in a more active and direct manner.

asserting authority

This alternative highlights the declaration and enforcement of one's authority.

exercising influence

This alternative broadens the scope to any form of influence, not just dominance.

establishing supremacy

This alternative refers to ultimate authority and power.

taking command

This phrase suggests assuming a leadership role and directing others.

imposing control

This alternative suggests a more forceful and direct application of control.

demonstrating superiority

This alternative focuses on showing oneself to be better or more powerful.

controlling the situation

This phrase centers on managing and directing a specific set of circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "exerting dominance" to describe a situation where someone or something is actively displaying control or power. For example: "The lion was "exerting dominance" over the other animals in the pride".

What are some alternatives to "exerting dominance"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "asserting authority", "establishing control", or "wielding power".

Is it correct to say "exercising dominance" instead of "exerting dominance"?

Yes, "exercising dominance" is a valid and similar alternative. Both phrases convey the idea of actively displaying control or power, however "exerting dominance" is slightly more forceful.

What's the difference between "exerting dominance" and "showing dominance"?

Both phrases are similar, but "exerting dominance" implies a more active and intentional effort to display control, while "showing dominance" can be a more passive demonstration.