grab power

USAGE SUMMARY

"grab power" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to seize or take control over a certain position or authority. It is most commonly used in a political context. Example: The dictator used force and intimidation to grab power and establish himself as the sole ruler of the country.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They want to grab power," she said.

The New York Times

We did not attempt to grab power by bloodshed".

The New Yorker

The media law is just the latest in a series of actions to grab power.

The Economist

"We are not attempting to grab power," he told reporters at the scene today.

The New York Times

It should be in place before armed rebel elements grab power for themselves.

The New York Times

But obviously once in power he wanted to confiscate and grab power.

The New York Times

Dismissing the motives of Bersih, he cast it as a desperate attempt by Mr Anwar to grab power.

The Economist

In the oft-recounted tale, a despot betrays his closest ally to grab power and establish a new dynasty.

The Economist

The big question is whether Mr. Bragman's promises of openness are sincere or simply a means to grab power.

The New York Times

That means inevitably the most lethal elements are the ones who will grab power when the time comes".

The New York Times

Populists are just different elites who try to grab power with the help of a collective fantasy of political purity.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grab power" to convey a sense of urgency, opportunism, or even illegitimacy in the acquisition of authority. It's most effective when the context involves political maneuvering or a power struggle.

Common error

While "grab power" is acceptable in news and informal writing, avoid using it excessively in academic or business documents. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "acquire control" or "assume authority" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grab power" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes an action, specifically the act of seizing or taking control, often implying a forceful or opportunistic manner. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grab power" effectively describes the act of seizing control or authority, often with implications of force or opportunism. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and commonly used in written English. While prevalent in news and media, it is crucial to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives like "acquire control" in academic or business writing. Being mindful of potential negative connotations enhances the impact and appropriateness of the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seize control

Emphasizes a sudden and forceful taking of control.

take command

Suggests assuming a position of leadership or authority.

wrest control

Implies a struggle or effort to gain control from another party.

usurp authority

Highlights the illegitimacy or impropriety of taking power.

assume leadership

Focuses on the act of taking on a leadership role, often in a formal setting.

establish dominance

Highlights the act of achieving a superior position or influence.

secure influence

Emphasizes gaining influence or sway over others or a situation.

achieve supremacy

Focuses on reaching the highest level of power or authority.

take the reins

Idiomatic expression indicating the assumption of control or management.

acquire control

More formal and neutral way of saying "grab power", simply meaning to get control.

FAQs

How to use "grab power" in a sentence?

"Grab power" is used to describe the act of seizing control, often through forceful or opportunistic means. For example: "The rebels attempted to "grab power" during the coup."

What can I say instead of "grab power"?

You can use alternatives like "seize control", "take command", or "wrest control" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "grab power" or "acquire power"?

Both "grab power" and "acquire power" are correct, but they convey different nuances. "Grab power" suggests a more forceful or opportunistic seizure of control, while "acquire power" is more neutral and simply means to obtain control.

What's the difference between "grab power" and "seek power"?

"Grab power" implies taking control, often suddenly or aggressively, while "seek power" means to pursue or aim for a position of authority. The former is about the act of taking, the latter is about the pursuit.