grasp of power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grasp of power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's understanding or control over power, often in a political or social context. Example: "Her grasp of power allowed her to influence the decisions made by the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But then Sansom is a political writer – he's also written a vivid novel set in Franco's Spain – and he displays a much more sophisticated grasp of power.

Independent

Her grasp of power, and even her competence, started to be challenged, while Protestantism is now known to have been less popular than previously thought.

The Economist

Now they derive their sense of identity from success at work and from fatherhood itself, rather than having to demonstrate their masculinity through a rugged grasp of power tools or an impressive collection of socket sets.Which may be just as well.

The Economist

But the only party pushing for reform is the one with nothing to lose, and whose grasp of power and influence on policy making will gradually slip away.

Vice

Critic Antero Garcia describes the thematic similarity between these dystopian novels to be an interest in the "grasp of power between youth and adult authority" comparing the novel to Unwind by Neal Shusterman.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It may be a further symptom of the instability of Kim Jong-il's grasp on power in the reclusive neo-Stalinist state – as Simon Tisdall has written in Comment is free today.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ford has a profitable grasp of the power of image.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In a televised speech on Sunday night, Mr. Saleh, a wily politician with a firm grasp of the power of patronage, tried to defuse the opposition's demands.

The New York Times

At the same time, Gould's grasp of the power of recordings was owing to the fact that he came of age when the music of Bach in particular was being revived through recordings.

The New York Times - Magazine

The need for strong international allies is called for, and the bishops add: Without a grasp of the power and meaning of religion, it is impossible to understand the dynamics of global politics today.

The Guardian

The other pieces here attest to the quiet, undiminished integrity of Mr. Edwards's art, guided by a sure grasp of the power to be unleashed by the interlocking of steel forms — found and made — and the emotional reservoir to sustain it.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grasp of power" when you want to emphasize someone's understanding, control, or ability to wield power effectively in a given situation. It's suitable for describing political acumen, strategic decision-making, or social influence.

Common error

Avoid using "grasp of power" interchangeably with terms like "abuse of power" or "lust for power". The phrase indicates understanding and potentially responsible use, not necessarily negative connotations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grasp of power" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grasp of power" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes someone's understanding, control, or ability to effectively wield influence, often in political or social contexts. While primarily found in News & Media, it also appears in Wiki and Scientific sources. Alternative phrases include "control of authority" and "grip on authority". When using this phrase, ensure that you are emphasizing understanding and control, not necessarily negative connotations associated with abuse or lust for power. Overall, "grasp of power" is a useful phrase for analyzing and describing power dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grip on authority

Emphasizes a firm hold or control over authority.

control of authority

Focuses on the aspect of having control, emphasizing authority rather than understanding.

command over influence

Highlights the ability to command, implying a degree of control over influence.

understanding of dominance

Stresses the cognitive aspect of understanding dominance rather than necessarily wielding it.

mastery of control

Suggests a high level of skill and expertise in exercising control.

insight into authority

Focuses on having a deep understanding or perspective on authority.

possession of influence

Focuses on having influence as a possession or attribute.

knowledge of control

Highlights the information and awareness one has regarding how to control.

appreciation for dominance

Implies a value or recognition of the importance of dominance.

acquaintance with influence

Suggests a more casual or superficial understanding of influence.

FAQs

How can I use "grasp of power" in a sentence?

You can use "grasp of power" to describe someone's understanding or control over power. For example: "Her "grasp of power" allowed her to influence the decisions made by the committee."

What are some alternatives to "grasp of power"?

Alternatives include "control of authority", "command over influence", or "grip on authority", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "grasp of power" formal or informal?

"Grasp of power" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, including news articles, academic papers, and general discussions.

How does "grasp of power" differ from "abuse of power"?

"Grasp of power" refers to understanding and potentially responsible use of power, while "abuse of power" describes the misuse or unethical application of power. They have opposite connotations.