going for power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going for power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is seeking to gain influence, control, or authority, often in a competitive or strategic situation. Example: "In the upcoming election, the candidates are all going for power, each trying to outmaneuver the others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The victory is a triumph for them, for Coach Andy Flower and the strategic rethink that led to England's going for power at the top of the order and aggression both in running between the wickets and in the field.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a case of sizing up the situation and realizing that going for power wasn't the best option but reading the angle and simply going for accuracy was.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Kilmarnock edged forward and Steven Smith went down on the edge of the box to earn a free-kick in a dangerous area - taker Kris Boyd went for power but watched his powerful shot rise over the bar.

BBC

Mr Sharif himself seems unsure whether to go for power.

The Economist

Every day in Puerto Rico, the coaches went for power walks, discussing life and strategy.

The New York Times - Sports

Too often, when in promising positions, he panicked, went for power and missed the target.

The Guardian - Sport

Miss! Argentina 2-2 Uruguay Carlos Tevez goes for power but Muslera gets across to his right to beat the ball away.

The Guardian - Sport

Cilic, who had struck nine aces, went for power over caution, a double-fault restricting him to a 4-2 leat athehe changeover.

The Guardian - Sport

Swansea's club-record signing went for power rather than placement and Caballero, to his credit, tipped the striker's rising shot over the bar.

The Guardian - Sport

He then decided he would dink the ball rather than go for power or placement against goalkeeper Adrian and it was fortunate for him that the episode did not end in embarrassment.

Independent

In the 12th minute he drew a save from Simon Mignolet with a curling shot and seven minutes later he went for power from 25 yards, with an angled, rising drive.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a strategic approach, using "going for power" can effectively convey the intention to aggressively pursue influence or control in a given situation.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "going for power" in very casual conversation can sound overly dramatic. Consider simpler alternatives like "trying to win" or "aiming to succeed" for everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going for power" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, describing the action of actively pursuing control or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It often appears to describe strategic ambitions, as seen in various examples of political or competitive scenarios.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "going for power" describes the act of actively pursuing influence, control, or authority. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and understandable in written English. Although it's a relatively rare phrase, it commonly appears in news, media, scientific and wiki contexts. The phrase carries a neutral to professional register, making it suitable for strategic discussions. While alternatives like "seeking influence" and "pursuing dominance" exist, "going for power" provides a straightforward way to describe someone's pursuit of control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking influence

Focuses on the active pursuit of influence rather than the broader concept of power.

pursuing dominance

Emphasizes striving to achieve a superior or controlling position.

aiming for control

Highlights the objective of achieving control over a situation or entity.

striving for authority

Specifically refers to the effort to gain official or recognized authority.

competing for influence

Highlights the competitive nature of seeking influence.

pushing for control

Suggests a more forceful or assertive approach to gaining control.

reaching for dominance

Implies an ambitious attempt to achieve a dominant position.

positioning for authority

Suggests strategic actions taken to be in a place to obtain authority.

endeavoring to dominate

Emphasizes a serious and determined effort to achieve dominance.

maneuvering for influence

Highlights the use of strategy and tactics to gain influence.

FAQs

How can I use "going for power" in a sentence?

You can use "going for power" to describe someone's active pursuit of influence, control, or authority. For example, "The politician is "going for power" in the upcoming election."

What are some alternatives to "going for power"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "seeking influence", "pursuing dominance", or "aiming for control".

Is "going for power" formal or informal?

"Going for power" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in news, media, and strategic discussions.

What's the difference between "going for power" and "striving for authority"?

"Going for power" is a broader term that encompasses influence and control, while "striving for authority" specifically refers to the effort to gain recognized or official authority.