exerting power over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exerting power over" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something having control or influence over another person or situation. For example: - The dictator was notorious for exerting power over his people, crushing any opposition to his rule. - The company's CEO took pleasure in exerting power over his employees, often making them work long hours and denying them benefits. - The coach's strict training regimen was a way of exerting power over the team and pushing them to their limits.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"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

They have accused him of exerting power over other patients at Kirby by controlling the distribution of food and the access to newspapers on his ward.

The New York Times

It didn't take an expert to see that Bertie might enjoy exerting power over women, which he did by acquiring and dropping a harem of girlfriends, most of them married.

The New York Times - Books

You can preserve your organization's hierarchical structure without exerting power over others.

Forbes

Exerting power over others through discipline and rewards alone was highly effective when the sources of power were finite.

Forbes

Today, leaders have to shift from "command-and-control" to "connect-and-collaborate," from exerting power over people to generating power through them.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Men hurt women in order to exert power over them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

The Guardian

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "exerting power over", ensure that the context clearly indicates the means and extent of the power being exerted. Specificity enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "exerting power over" in situations where simpler terms like "influencing" or "controlling" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exerting power over" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used to describe control or influence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exerting power over" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the act of exercising control or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as well as in academic and scientific writing. While it can sometimes carry negative connotations, it's important to remember that it can also be used to describe legitimate forms of authority or leadership. When writing, be mindful of the context to choose the most appropriate wording, as simpler alternatives like "influencing" or "controlling" might be preferable in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wielding influence over

Replaces "power" with "influence" focusing on subtle control.

exercising control over

Substitutes "power" with "control", suggesting direct management.

dominating

A single-word replacement emphasizing complete control.

holding sway over

Uses a more idiomatic expression to convey influence.

commanding authority over

Emphasizes the legitimacy and right to exert power.

controlling

A shorter, more direct synonym for exerting control.

having dominion over

Indicates supreme authority and ownership.

imposing influence upon

Highlights the act of forcefully affecting someone or something.

reigning supreme over

Conveys ultimate power and authority in a specific domain.

establishing dominance over

Focuses on the act of gaining control rather than maintaining it.

FAQs

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

You can use "exerting power over" to describe a situation where someone or something is exercising control or influence. For example, "The government was accused of "exerting power over" the media".

What are some alternatives to "exerting power over"?

Alternatives include "wielding influence over", "exercising control over", or simply "dominating", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

Not necessarily. While the phrase can imply dominance or oppression, it can also describe legitimate authority or leadership, depending on the context. For example, a teacher "exerting power over" a classroom can be seen as necessary for maintaining order and facilitating learning.

What's the difference between "exerting power over" and "exerting influence on"?

"Exerting power over" suggests a more direct and forceful control, while "exerting influence on" implies a more subtle or persuasive effect. Power typically involves authority or control, whereas influence relies on persuasion or indirect means.