grasp power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grasp power" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to someone's ambition to gain power or authority. For example: As the CEO, his ambition was to grasp power and take control of the company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

If Harrower's heroines never quite grasp power, they do at least glimpse the truth.

The New Yorker

Buzzwords to use with a skeptic include: feel, grasp, power, action, suspect, trust, agreeable, demand, and disrupt.

Harvard Business Review

The Americans, who hand over $1.6 billion a year, should do the same.At the start of the Arab spring, optimists hoped that liberal democracy would sweep the region and pessimists predicted that Islamists would grasp power and keep hold of it.

The Economist

Among them, the HITAPH III [also called anthropomorphic robot (AR) hand III] [54] makes an improvement on its human-like appearance and grasp power.

ROBOMECH Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Israel's highest court has grasped power by creatively interpreting the country's "basic laws".For that reason, the government may come to regret its decision to give up control over the appointment of judges.

The Economist

Of course, Fidel Castro has led the resistance to change, grasping power for so long that he has gone from fierce young rebel to doddering old man before the eyes of the world.

The New York Times

The monkeys sat motionless, while the robotic arms reached and grasped, powered by monkey thoughts alone.

The New York Times - Magazine

Witnesses said that he tried to cement his grasp on power by helping his cronies reach office.

Los Angeles Times

Along with Jim Bakker, Jimmy Swaggart and Pat Robertson, he was one of the first evangelists to grasp the power of television.

The New York Times

The prime minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, Mr Thaksin's sister, now seems to have only the shakiest grasp on power.

The Economist

They reenacted this ritual in twelve consecutive presidential elections, and twelve times the pri renewed its grasp on power.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grasp power", consider the context. It often implies ambition, sometimes with negative connotations if the method is perceived as ruthless or illegitimate. Choose it when this nuance is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "grasp power" when a neutral or positive term like "gain influence" or "achieve authority" would be more appropriate, especially if you want to avoid implying a forceful or underhanded acquisition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grasp power" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "grasp" acts as the verb and "power" as the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating it adheres to standard English syntax. The phrase describes the action of attempting to gain or seize control.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grasp power" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of trying to gain control or authority. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, the phrase carries a nuance of ambition, and sometimes even forcefulness. Its usage is most common in news and media, with less frequent appearances in scientific and academic contexts. When writing, it's crucial to consider the specific context and choose this phrase when the connotation of striving for control is appropriate. Alternatives like "gain influence" or "achieve authority" may be more suitable in situations where a neutral or positive tone is desired. The phrase is correct, although somewhat uncommon, and used in varied fields with an intention to refer to an effort, sometimes relentless, to "grasp power".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seize power

Focuses more on the act of taking power quickly and decisively.

capture power

Suggests gaining power, often through strategic action or competition.

grab power

Implies a more forceful and opportunistic acquisition of power.

secure power

Highlights the act of making power stable and unchallengeable.

obtain authority

Replaces "power" with "authority", emphasizing legitimacy and recognized control.

gain control

Emphasizes the aspect of controlling resources or situations.

assume control

Indicates taking on the responsibility and position of power.

exert influence

Focuses on the ability to affect decisions and actions.

wield authority

Emphasizes the active use and application of power or authority.

exercise control

Highlights the practical application of power in managing affairs.

FAQs

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

You can use "grasp power" to describe someone's attempt to gain control, as in: "The politician's primary goal was to grasp power at any cost." or "The rebels attempted to grasp power during the coup."

What's a less aggressive alternative to "grasp power"?

If you want to describe gaining power in a more positive or neutral light, consider using phrases like "gain influence", "achieve authority", or "secure power".

Which is the better phrase, "grasp power" or "seize power"?

"Grasp power" implies ambition and striving to gain control, while "seize power" suggests a sudden, forceful acquisition. The better choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "grasp power" and "grasp at power"?

"Grasp power" implies a deliberate action to gain control, whereas "grasp at power" indicates a desperate or frantic attempt, often suggesting a lack of stability or a precarious position. Both describe aiming to control but differ in desperation.