gain ascendancy over

USAGE SUMMARY

"gain ascendancy over" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a formal expression that can be used to describe one person, group, or entity gaining power or influence over another. For example, "The new president was able to gain ascendancy over the existing government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

With time Rome may gain ascendancy over the north.

The New York Times - Arts

Science a new, peculiar form of ELF was the best means to solve problems, and this allowed natural philosophers (later called scientists) to gain ascendancy over theologians and philosophers.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Although Juan Pacheco, marqués de Villena, initially gained ascendancy over the king, others vied for royal favour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Reisz, however, tried to add resonance by adumbrating a system of moral counterbalances between hero and heroine, with the designated victim finally gaining ascendancy over her nemesis.

The Guardian

And when steam power gained ascendancy over sail and wind, the town's boatyards adapted, turning to wooden steamships (and gunboats), 56 of which were built for the Union Navy.

The New York Times - Arts

The ethos of "be out for yourself" is gaining ascendancy over "I am my brothers' and sisters' keeper" as inequity and terrorism erode hope and security.

Huffington Post

It's as if Manhattan has to be disgraced and humiliated for any other borough to gain ascendancy.

The New York Times

The latest GDP update shows that froth still dominates (the flat white reference being a nod to a tech/digital economy that has yet to gain ascendancy).

The Guardian - Business

He did not gain ascendancy on a promise of unity and compromise, but by running on a platform of resentment, rage and bigotry.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dolls have lost their hold, boys have yet to gain ascendancy, and the youngsters' emotions, with nothing to fix on, swirl around one another with dangerous results.

The New York Times - Arts

VR will gain ascendancy throughout 2016, but my money's on AR becoming the dominant technology in our daily lives.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "gain ascendancy over", ensure that the context clearly defines what the ascendancy entails, whether it is political, economic, or social power. Be specific about the domain in which ascendancy is achieved.

Common error

Avoid using "gain ascendancy over" when the situation involves only minor influence or temporary advantage. The phrase implies a significant and sustained shift in power dynamics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain ascendancy over" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of acquiring a dominant position or influence over someone or something. It highlights a shift in power dynamics, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gain ascendancy over" is a formal verb phrase used to describe the act of acquiring a dominant position or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage in contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and science. While relatively infrequent, the phrase is valuable for precisely articulating power shifts. Consider related phrases like "achieve dominance over" or "establish control over" for alternative expressions. When employing "gain ascendancy over", be mindful of the context and ensure that the situation warrants the implication of a significant power shift.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieve dominance over

Replaces "ascendancy" with a more direct term for dominance, implying a completed action.

establish control over

Focuses on the act of establishing control, suggesting a more deliberate and forceful action.

acquire power over

Highlights the acquisition of power, emphasizing the shift in authority.

exert influence over

Emphasizes the exercise of influence rather than outright dominance.

secure supremacy over

Implies a more competitive scenario where supremacy is being secured.

triumph over

Indicates victory and subsequent dominance, often in a challenging situation.

prevail over

Suggests overcoming obstacles to achieve a position of strength.

dominate

A single-word verb expressing a similar concept, though potentially less formal.

outweigh

Suggests a greater importance or influence, rather than direct control.

surpass

Implies exceeding or exceeding a rival or competitor, leading to a form of ascendancy.

FAQs

How can I use "gain ascendancy over" in a sentence?

Use "gain ascendancy over" to describe a situation where one entity increases its power or influence over another. For example, "The company aimed to "gain ascendancy over" its competitors through innovative products".

What are some alternatives to "gain ascendancy over"?

Alternatives include "achieve dominance over", "establish control over", or "acquire power over", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "gain ascendancy over" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "gain ascendancy over" is a relatively formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "dominate" or "outweigh" may be more suitable.

What is the difference between "gain ascendancy over" and "gain influence over"?

"Gain ascendancy over" implies a more significant and potentially permanent shift in power, while "gain influence over" suggests a more subtle and persuasive form of control.