fraught with power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fraught with power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, object, or concept that is filled with significant influence or authority, often with a sense of tension or complexity. Example: "The speech was fraught with power, leaving the audience both inspired and unsettled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But it is fraught with power relations.

The Guardian - Books

But I was glad for the epic sweep that Ms. Fusco and Mr. Wallis decided on, with its perceptual workouts and its unrosy picture of an America prickly with cultural variety and fraught with power struggles.

The New York Times - Arts

As Mr. Bachardy remembers, the age and class differences — Isherwood, who dropped out of Cambridge, came from an upper-crust English background and Mr. Bachardy's father worked in the aerospace industry — made for a relationship fraught with power imbalances.

The New York Times

Many pundits agree in broad terms with the notion that there are striking similarities between the pre-WWI European power constellations and the current security arrangements in Asia, fraught with power transition, alliance politics, rising nationalism and territorial disputes, among others.

Huffington Post

The country is also fraught with power outages as demand outstrips supply.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

United Nations officials and members of the Afghan commission organizing the loya jirga admit it will be fraught with difficulties, power struggles and even violence.

The New York Times

This is an example of Haley asserting authorial agency during the writing of the Autobiography, indicating that their relationship was fraught with minor power struggles.

Wikipedia

A slew of political scandals gripping Malaysia and a transfer of power fraught with uncertainty have embroiled the elite here with exquisitely poor timing.

The New York Times

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — A slew of political scandals gripping Malaysia and a transfer of power fraught with uncertainty have shaken the elite here, with exquisitely poor timing.

The New York Times

"The countries that are now part of the global south have historical relations to Western nations, relations that are fraught with questions of colonial power and imperialism and formal agreements that may or may not have served the countries' long-term needs," she said.

Huffington Post

The fact that it survived, he argues, had far more to do with the fraught power games among France, England, and Austria than with any real will of the Italians to exist as a nation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fraught with power" to describe situations, relationships, or systems where power dynamics are central and often create tension or difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "fraught with power" in purely positive contexts. The phrase typically implies that the power involved carries potential for conflict, imbalance, or negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fraught with power" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun by indicating that it is filled with or characterized by power, often implying complexity or potential conflict. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fraught with power" is an adjectival phrase used to describe situations or entities where power is a dominant and often problematic factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable, although its frequency is relatively rare. Predominantly found in news and scientific contexts, the phrase carries a neutral register, suggesting analytical discussion rather than casual speech. Its purpose is to highlight potential conflict or complexity arising from power dynamics. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its connotation of potential imbalance or struggle. Alternatives like "laden with authority" or "charged with influence" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

laden with authority

Replaces "power" with "authority", shifting the emphasis from sheer force to legitimate influence.

imbued with authority

Implies that authority is intrinsic and inseparable from something.

charged with influence

Emphasizes the active and potent nature of the influence involved.

filled with command

Focuses on the aspect of direct order and leadership that power implies.

replete with control

Highlights the aspect of control, suggesting a situation saturated with it.

dominated by influence

Highlights the fact that influence is the prevailing attribute.

thick with dominance

Uses a more metaphorical expression to convey an atmosphere permeated by dominance.

saturated with control

Uses a sensory metaphor to express the extent of control present.

heavy with responsibility

Shifts the focus to the burden and implications that come with holding significant power.

brimming with potential

Shifts the context to talk about the potential or latent possibility inherent in having power.

FAQs

How can I use "fraught with power" in a sentence?

You can use "fraught with power" to describe situations or relationships where power dynamics create tension. For example, "The negotiation was fraught with power imbalances" or "The political climate is fraught with power struggles".

What is a similar phrase to "fraught with power"?

Similar phrases include "laden with authority", "charged with influence", or "replete with control", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "full of power" instead of "fraught with power"?

While "full of power" is grammatically correct, it doesn't carry the same connotation as "fraught with power". "Full of power" simply means possessing a lot of power, whereas "fraught with power" suggests that this power creates complications or challenges.

What's the difference between "fraught with danger" and "fraught with power"?

"Fraught with danger" describes a situation full of risks, while "fraught with power" describes a situation where power dynamics create tension or difficulty. They both use "fraught with" to indicate the presence of something significant that complicates the situation.